Kidnapped mascot from Tim’s Garden Centre found by police and returned home

CAMPBELLTOWN’S infamous ceramic social commentator, who was “pig-napped” on Tuesday, is back on his milk crate – none the worse for wear.

Tim's Garden Centre's infamous social commentator Pig was stolen earlier this week.

CAMPBELLTOWN’S infamous ceramic social commentator, who was “pig-napped” on Tuesday, is back on his milk crate – none the worse for wear – after police tracked down his abductors following a three-day investigation.

Pig was returned to Tim’s Garden Centre this morning, much to the delight of centre staff. Owner Tim Pickles is away for a couple of days, but was delighted when the Macarthur Chronicle broke the news to him of Pig’s rescue.

“I’m so happy; it’s great news,” Mr Pickles said. “We knew police had the registration (of the vehicle in which the abductor escaped). It was just a matter of time before they found Pig.”

Tim’s Garden Centre shop assistant Monica Cooke took delivery of an unharmed and relieved P

Tim's Garden Centre's infamous social commentator Pig was stolen earlier this week.

ig this morning.

“He’s not injured, just stressed,” she said. “I think he’s glad to be home.

“He’ll be fine ... he just needs to have a good talk to Tim. He hasn’t told us what happened to him; again, he needs Tim to talk to, some one-on-one.”

Ms Cooke said she was amazed by the number of customers who expressed their disgust at Pig’s kidnapping.

“They were very unhappy and thought it was terrible and absolutely disgusting. They hoped the offender was caught soon,” Ms Cooke said.

“When Pig’s not outside, we get so many people coming in asking ‘where’s Pig, where’s Pig’.

“Pig belongs not just to Tim but the whole of Campbelltown.”

Ms Cooke said the two police officers who returned the missing porcine had a chuckle.

“They even came out and had a photo with the relief pig,” she said.

Mr Pickles said Pig would now get on with welcoming the festive season.

“I’m glad staff took a photo of police returning Pig. About 25,000 people didn’t believe he’d been kidnapped; they thought it was a publicity stunt,” he said.

No charges have been laid over the theft.