The artists who created a life-sized bronze bear statue say they are “shocked and heartbroken” after learning it had been stolen from a shopping centre in Melbourne’s inner-north last week.

Police have been investigating the theft of the statue, known as ‘Sparkly Bear’, after it was removed from Barkly Square in Brunswick in the early hours of Wednesday, September 11.

Created by Sydney-based artists Gillie and Marc, the statue depicts a life-sized bronze bear riding a tandem bike and is estimated to be worth $60,000.

Police say the offenders reversed a truck into a laneway on Sydney Road near Barkly Square about 4am.

Officers were told three people emerged from the truck and cut down Sparkly Bear with an angle grinder, before lifting it with a crane onto the vehicle.

They then fled the scene towards Barkly Street.

Artists call for safe return of Sparkly Bear

Artists Gillie and Marc said they were devastated by the theft.

“This piece was created with the intention of bringing joy and a sense of connection to the community, and to see it taken in such a way is devastating,” they said in a statement.

“We urge anyone with information to come forward, as we hope for the safe return of Sparkly Bear so that it can once again be enjoyed by the community.”

Sparkly Bear was installed at Barkly Square in 2018, with the aim of welcoming visitors and residents from all walks of life, according to the shopping centre’s website.

CBRE Australia, who manage Barkly Square, told the ABC in a statement that they were assisting police and would provide updates to the public when they could.

The theft comes months after a giant gorilla statue named Garry was stolen from a Victorian retirement home and found weeks later.

Police are urging for anyone who witnessed the incident or has camera footage to contact Crime Stoppers.