Security is being stepped up following the attempted theft of a wolf sculpture that is part of a new art trail in Bury St Edmunds.

East Anglian Daily Times: Picture showing the weights Willow the Wolf is attached to.Picture showing the weights Willow the Wolf is attached to. (Image: Mark Cordell)

Despite the attempt to steal her, Willow the Wolf, positioned on Angel Hill, managed to stay put, but did sustain some slight damage.

The trail, which opens on Monday, involves 26 specially-commissioned wolves, which are spread out across Bury’s historic town centre.

The attraction is a joint project between the Business Improvement District (BID) group Ourburystedmunds, St Edmundsbury Borough, Bury Town and Suffolk County Councils.

Mark Cordell, chief executive of the BID, was made aware over the weekend that an attempt had been made to steal Willow the Wolf, created by artist Liz Cooke of Lark Valley Willow, which he has reported to the police. He said it appeared the heavy weights it is fixed to had prevented the theft.

Since the incident, Mr Cordell has been in contact with a number of the artists about enhancing the security of their wolves.

He said: “Steps have been taken to make them as secure as possible, but I would say if any members of the public see anyone acting suspiciously near to a wolf to let the police know.

“The majority are within the CCTV area, but nonetheless we would ask people to be vigilant. As we have created this trail for the community and visitors to Bury we would hope if they see anything untoward they will get in contact with the authorities.”

He added: “It’s something good for the community and I’m very disappointed people were trying to take that one, but fortunately Willow the Wolf fought her ground and wants to remain here.” A number of the wolf sculptures are outside, but some are also located indoors. The trail is on until November 20.