“Time to call Liam Neeson”—Netizens react as a Paddington Bear statue is stolen and damaged in the UK

Paddington Bear is more than just a children's book character—it's a legacy. A statue of Paddington Bear was built in England in October 2024. However, it met with an unfortunate plight within a few months of its installation. The statue was reportedly stolen and damaged last weekend.

"Paddington got kidnapped? Time to call Liam Neeson"- A fan commented on the incident.

The Paddington Bear statue was positioned on a bench in Northbrook Street, Newbury. He was wearing a blue duffle coat and a red hat, eating his comfort food, a marmalade sandwich. It served as a popular attraction in the city, with tourists posing with the statue. However, the grandeur was short-lived.

Twenty-three similar statues were installed across the United Kingdom, the hometown of the Peruvian bear's creator, Michael Bond.

Two twenty-two-year-old suspects were arrested and later released on conditional bail.

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Netizens react as a Paddington Bear statue is stolen and damaged in the UK

Time to call Liam Neeson (via debayo_xx/ X)

Paddington Bear being stolen from the heart of the city is a big deal! Fans loved Liam Neeson's role in the thriller The Commuter. The Paddington sequels and The Commuter were produced by the same unit, Studiocanal.

In the movie Taken, Brian Mills (played by Neeson) embarks on an intense journey to rescue his abducted daughter. Netizens claim that only Neeson could solve the mystery of the missing Paddington "using his particular set of skills".

A user joked about the theft.

"What are you in for?" *in British accent* "I stole Paddington."

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Another netizen questioned the motive.

Wait, they cut the statue in half instead of just cutting the bench?

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It weighed a ton? (via TanookiKuribo/ X)

A user commented with a witty pun, easing the gravity of the damage.

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Users were visibly confused about the chaos. Damaging state property—especially that of a friendly bear—raised eyebrows.

Lol... What was going through those men's head as they performed that act?

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Netizens poked fun at the act of offense.

Imagine risking jail time over a Paddington Bear statue. Whole criminal underworld out there, and these guys chose to beef with a fictional bear in a duffle coat

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About the Paddington Bear

Paddington Bear's character was originally written as a refugee who migrated from Peru after losing his home and family to natural calamities. He loitered around London in search of a home to welcome him.

Paddington was first adapted into a movie in 2014, directed by Paul King, and Ben Whishaw became the ultimate voice of the Bear. The next sequel was released in 2017, followed by a series called The Adventures of Paddington.

The outrage over the stolen Paddington bear statue in Northbrook Street reflected the audience's love for the character. Hence, it's more than a character, but a legacy!