Banksy print 'Trolley Hunter' reported stolen in Toronto

TORONTO

Canadian police is investigating the brazen apparent theft of a Banksy print from an unauthorized exhibit of the artist's work in Toronto, BBC reported on June 14.

Toronto police said the print was removed from the exhibit in the city's west end on June 10. Its disappearance was discovered after police responded to a call over an alleged break-in at the exhibit site.

Police say the stolen print was called "Trolley Hunter" and valued at $35,000.

Authorities asked for help in the investigation on June 14, and released security footage of a man walking into the exhibition space shortly after 05The exhibit showcases some 80 works from private collections.

The Art of Banksy show was curated by Steve Lazarides, the anonymous British street artist's former agent.

Mr Lazarides worked with the Bristol graffiti artist for about 10 years, though Banksy himself is not involved in the show.

The exhibit of the commercial collection, valued at a $35 million, is being shown in an industrial building in Toronto.

The 2007 "Trolley Hunters" print depicts three c rouching hunters, one aiming a spear at a grouping of shopping carts.

The arts promotion company behind the show confirmed that the print went missing during the setup of the exhibition, which opened this week.

"Due to the investigation, we will not be commenting further at this time," said Starvox Exhibits president Corey Ross in an emailed statement.

The artist is known for his street pieces infused with political and social commentary, and his work that has gained him an international fan base.