Members of the public have been urged to “keep their eyes open” as police hunt thieves who stole an "extremely heavy" bronze hippo sculpture
The two-metre sculpture, which weighs nearly a tonne, was taken from Cilstone, near Tunbridge Wells, between 5.30pm on Wednesday and 7am on Thursday, police said.
The thieves, who broke into the business's show gardens, would have needed a large vehicle and possibly a winch to steal the "hugely distinctive object", PC Nick Lingham said.
The hippo has required the strength of five people to lift it previously, he added, urging people to "keep their eyes open and report anything suspicious".
PC Lingham, of Kent Police, added: "It is clear those responsible would have needed a large vehicle such as a flatbed truck and may have also needed to lift it by mechanical means.
"It is a hugely distinctive object and it is unlikely the offenders will find it that easy to sell on as scrap or to a collector.
"Because of its sheer size we are hoping people may have seen it being transported."
Additional reporting by Press Association
