Police hunt thieves who ran off with pub's mummy figurine in bizarre 'kidnap'

16 December 2023 , 16:47

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North Yorkshire Police have launched a mummy appeal (Image: Ben Lack Photography Ltd)

Police are hunting for a pair of thieves who stole an iconic mummy prop from a pub in a town that was inspired by Dracula.

North Yorkshire Police released images of the bizarre "kidnap" which took place at The Endeavour in Church Street, Whitby, after a spooky weekend on October 31.

Landlady Maria Limbert has hit out at the brazen pair after they stole the mummy which was plonked on a chair. The decor was part of the pub's efforts for the biannual Whitby Goth Weekend. Ms Limbert has since demanded that they return the item and said the seaside town doesn't do "tacky".

The woman is thought to be in her 20s (Ben Lack Photography Ltd)

The man picked up the mummy and ran out of the pub (Ben Lack Photography Ltd)

Police said the woman, who had long black hair, was caught eyeing up the pub favourite before her male friend suggested taking it home. Despite the landlady detesting his request, he proceeded to grab it before fleeing the pub at around 10pm.

The licensee said: "I want it back. It's very frustrating." The man has been described as white, aged 20-25, thin, with short blond hair and was wearing a black tuxedo. The woman was of similar age, of medium build and was wearing black clothing. Ms Limbert said: "I had hoped the person who took it would bring it back, but that chance has long passed. Businesses go to a lot of effort for Whitby Goth Weekend and Halloween. Whitby doesn't do tacky."

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Police have released CCTV images of the incident (Ben Lack Photography Ltd)

Due to the Goth Weekend running into Halloween, the mummy prop had been left out. She bought two of the mummies five years ago from a couple who were retiring from the pub trade. The Whitby Goth Weekend was inspired by the town's links with Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. It began in 1994 as a one-off meeting of friends in The Elsinore pub, but is now held in April and October and attracts thousands of visitors.

Police said: "We want to speak to the two people caught on camera as they may have information that could help the investigation. Anyone else with information about what happened is also urged to get in touch with North Yorkshire Police."

Monica Charsley