You Won't Believe Where This Stolen Silverback Gorilla Turned Up - The Police Were Shocked!

In a tale that seems more suited to the plot of a quirky mystery novel, a beloved community figure – a 1.5m tall silverback gorilla statue named Garry – was reported missing from a retirement home in Melbourne, sparking a unique police investigation that has captured the hearts and imaginations of locals.

The disappearance of Garry from the St Helena retirement community in Melbourne's northeast last month was a blow to residents who had grown fond of the inanimate primate. It wasn't long before the local authorities were on the case, determined to crack down on this unusual instance of 'monkey business.'


The Victoria Police, known for their dedication to serving the community, took the case seriously. They launched an extensive investigation, following leads and gathering information on the whereabouts of the stolen statue. The search for Garry became a top priority, with the police leaving no stone unturned – or in this case, no banana peel unexamined.


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A 1.5m gorilla statue named Garry reportedly went missing from a retirement community in St Helena, Melbourne. Credit: Tiktok / 10 News First Australia


In a dramatic turn of events, the police called in the Air Wing for assistance, and it was from the sky that pilots made the startling discovery. During a flyover of a property in Reservoir, the pilots were stunned to spot the unmistakable figure of Garry the gorilla, nonchalantly perched between two garages as if he hadn't just been the subject of a widespread search. The pilots, in their own words, 'went absolutely bananas' upon sighting the statue, providing the ground team with the break they needed.


With the location pinpointed, police swooped in to execute a search warrant on Monday. In a scene that would have made for a memorable photo, Garry was carefully carried from the property by two officers, no doubt a surreal sight for onlookers. The statue was handled with the care befitting a local celebrity, and plans were made for Garry to be returned to his rightful place in the retirement community on Wednesday.

The community breathed a collective sigh of relief knowing that Garry would soon be back among them. The residents, who had missed their silent, silverback sentinel, eagerly anticipated his return, ready to welcome him back to his 'natural habitat.'

As for the culprits behind the theft, investigations are still underway. The police are determined to get to the bottom of this caper and are calling on anyone with information to come forward. Witnesses or those with any knowledge of the incident are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.


This bizarre story serves as a reminder that even in our later years, life can still surprise us with its unpredictability. It also highlights the strong sense of community and attachment that can form around even the most unexpected of local landmarks.
Key Takeaways
  • A 1.5m gorilla statue named Garry was allegedly stolen from a retirement community in St Helena, Melbourne.
  • The police investigation involved the Air Wing, which spotted the statue between two garages on a Reservoir property.
  • Garry was recovered by the police and is set to return to the retirement home.
  • Investigations into the theft of the statue are ongoing, with the police asking for witnesses to contact Crime Stoppers.
So, dear readers, as Garry the gorilla statue settles back into his home, we're reminded of the importance of community spirit and the lengths to which we'll go to preserve it. Have you ever experienced a local mystery or an unusual theft in your community? Share your stories with us in the comments below – we'd love to hear about the capers and escapades that have unfolded in your neck of the woods!
 
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