‘We’re over the moon our penguin is back at his Stevenage home’

Staff at a restaurant are “over the moon” after a stolen penguin decoration was returned.

Two men were seen on CCTV carrying Percy away from his home outside Prezzo in Stevenage on Saturday night before loading him into the back of a van and driving away.

On Tuesday, following a promise of a £5,000 voucher reward, a member of the public contacted the restaurant after spotting the 5ft ornament in a garden.

Hertfordshire Police later picked up Percy and returned him to the restaurant.

Prezzo marketing director Naddy Onions expressed the restaurant’s gratitude to the police.

“They had to put Percy in a van and two officers had to carry him to the door. It’s not necessarily fighting crime so we’re thankful to them,” she said.

“Percy is back where he belongs. We’re hoping the good people of Stevenage will leave him alone. Staff are keeping a much closer eye on him.”

The restaurant said the person who found Percy would be rewarded with the gift card.

“We’re over the moon and the families of Stevenage will be thrilled he’s back,” Ms Onions said.

“I think somebody just wanted a brilliant Christmas decoration.”