|
|
 |
| |
House where the thieves struck |
Self-styled neighbourhood witch casts spell on garden statue thieves
IT’S not your average reaction to a robbery, but then Phyllida Law – the actress mother of film star Emma Thompson – is not your average neighbour.
She is, in fact, the neighbourhood witch. Or at least that’s what it says on a sign hanging in her West Hampstead garden, which also features a picture of what appears to be her, dressed as a witch – complete with a carroty nose. The picture is next to a mock-up of a Neighbourhood Watch logo.
The signs went up two weeks ago following the theft of two garden statues.
Ms Law, 75, whose films include Peter’s Friends, reacted with indignation at the loss of the stone animals, which she says were a recent birthday present.
She said: “The kids love the statues – they stop and talk to them as they walk past.”
There are now just two patches of glue where the missing statues once stood. A dog, a cat, a frog and a hedgehog remain.
Neighbours speculated that her magical fightback had been inspired by her actress daughter, who lives opposite with her husband Greg Wise.
Ms Thompson gave spell-casting lessons to Hogwarts pupils when she starred as Professor Sybil Trelawney in the Harry Potter films.
Clearly, she has taught her mother a few tricks as well. Maverick Ms Law has threatened to put a curse on the crooks unless her stone animals are returned.
The sign says: “Be so kind as to return the children’s stone statues... otherwise curses will occur!! You have been warned!!!”
A handwritten message on a chalkboard by her front-door reads: “I’m so sorry kids! Someone stole our animals!”
But she has promised neighbourhood youngsters they are in for a treat soon.
Neighbours are backing the crime-fighting witch. Gernot Wurzer, who lives nearby, said: “What she’s doing is fantastic. I hope the bad spell on whoever nicked it works. People shouldn’t just do that. It’s so mean.”
Another neighbour, who has lived opposite Ms Law for more than 20 years, congratulated her for tackling crime with humour.
“I’m sure most people in the street support the way she’s done it – it’s humorous with a serious intent,” she said. “If people pass and see how pretty and attractive it is, and what a silly thing a person has done... I hope it embarrasses them to bring it back.” |
 |
|
| |
| Your Comments: |
| |
| |
| |
|
|
|
