BIG cat burglars have struck in New Addington – with the bizarre theft of a lion statue.
Valerie Andrews, 75, of Homestead Way, had the lion, which she calls Leo, swiped from her front garden last week.
The collector's item is one of a pair she bought from a Beckenham garden nursery 45 years ago.
Miss Andrews, who was the first woman in the country to work with police dogs, said: "I was shocked when they took them.
"They're made of stone and would take two or three men to lift one. I'm not surprised they didn't take both."
Miss Andrews said she bought the lions to spruce up her garden and added that they had become well-known in the area.
She said: "I didn't just want a boring garden and I love animals, so when I saw them I had to have them.
"It was so long ago I can't remember how much they cost, but I know I had to save up for a good while.
"People are always complimenting me on them and I know the people I've told are missing them too.
"They were a landmark in the area but now I've had to put the other lion, Simba, in the back garden because I'm worried they might come back for him."
Miss Andrews has been a lover of animals all her life, spending more than 33 years as a kennel maid for the police.
Since retiring in 1995, she has used her own experiences to help breast cancer patients at Croydon University Hospital.
Miss Andrews said: "I was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was about 40 and had to have a mastectomy.
"I now go in and talk to the women to help them fight their illness and give them reassurance."
And after all these years of fighting, Valerie is not going to give up the fight for her lion.
She said: "I can't believe someone would do this. I'm not a shy, retiring old woman. I want Leo back and I will give a reward. But I'd very much appreciate if the people who took him would give him back."
Anyone with information about the stolen lion should contact newsdesk@croydonadvertiser.co.uk
