Plea to thieves - Retired newspaper tipster appeals for return of signed Arsenal shirt

Published: 25 June 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A FORMER newspaper horseracing tipster is appealing to thieves to return a precious Arsenal football shirt signed by stars Thierry Henry and David Seaman.

Jimmy Baldry, 69, from Girdlestone Walk, Archway, received the shirt signed by the 2002-03 squad seven years ago when he retired as tipster on the London Evening Standard after almost 50 years. The shirt, in a wooden frame, was stolen during a burglary at his flat while he was in America visiting nieces. A neighbour reported the break-in to police.

Mr Baldry, who used the pen-name B Bee, said: “They took about £7,000 worth of belongings, including 250 DVDs, my Evening Standard long-service watch, bottles of alcohol and items belonging to my brother Bob, who died three years ago.

“But my Arsenal shirt was irreplaceable and of great sentimental value. The team went the entire 2002-3 season without being beaten.

“I’m a great Arsenal fan and my old colleagues went to a lot of trouble getting the team to sign the shirt. For what it’s worth I’m appealing to the thieves – let me have my Arsenal shirt back.”

Investigating officer Detective Constable Gary Tinnion, from Islington Burglary Squad, said the break-in happened between May 25 and 27.

“Burglary is a devastating and heartbreaking crime for the victims,” he said. “The signed Arsenal shirt was of immense sentimental value to the victim. 

“I appeal to anyone who might have seen this shirt or who has information about this burglary to contact police in confidence on 0207 421 0154 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”