Arrests made after singing nutcracker statue stolen from funeral home

Two people were detained regarding the theft of a nutcracker statue from a workplace.

The 6ft tall figure, who sang to children on their way home from school, was stolen from outside Luke Allum Funeral Directors in Sheerness, Kent.

Owner Luke Allum said the nutcracker brings joy to children in the town.

“We always try to do something for the town this time of year to honor our loved ones with our Tree of Remembrance and a memorial mailbox where children can send their Christmas letters and cards to their loved ones in heaven,” Mr Allum said.

“This year we decided to put a big nutcracker outside that sings to the kids.

“We put him on around 3pm to sing on the way home from school. They literally love it, he sings to them, they take pictures with him.”

But on Thursday afternoon, as Mr. Allum and his colleagues were on their way to a funeral, the figure became stuck on the porch of a business on Broadway in the port town.

He said he was confused after the theft.

“Why did you steal a nutcracker of all things?” you think. said Mr. Allum.

The person who reported the incident to the police and shared it on social media received dozens of messages of support from the community who shared their sadness at this news.

Mr Allum said he did not want money but wanted the nutcracker returned.

“We got this in September, it’s impossible to try to get the nutcracker now.”

Kent Police are appealing for witnesses and said they hope to be able to return the nutcracker to Mr Allum.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: “The figure, which stood around 6ft tall and was valued at £250, was standing outside a funeral home to make visits more welcoming for bereaved people.”

Officers said two men from Sheerness, a 59-year-old and a 39-year-old, were arrested in connection with the burglary.

Anyone with relevant information or CCTV footage should contact Kent Police on 01795 419119 by calling 46/208343/25.