Leon Lawrence, a man from Southwark, London, has pleaded not guilty to the theft of a traffic stop sign featuring an original anti-war artwork by the renowned street artist Banksy. The sign, which depicted three drones and was confirmed by Banksy on social media just an hour before its removal, was taken from a busy junction in Peckham in December 2023. Prosecutors stated that while the sign's nominal value is low, its worth as a Banksy piece could be substantial, with experts suggesting it might fetch hundreds of thousands if sold, though such works are typically difficult to trade.

Lawrence appeared at Croydon Magistrates' Court and has been released on unconditional bail, with a crown court trial scheduled for September. The incident drew a crowd and led to two arrests, highlighting the ongoing public fascination with Banksy's art and the mystery surrounding the artist's identity. Banksy's works have repeatedly been removed or destroyed soon after their creation, fueling debates about their preservation and the ethics of street art ownership. The artist's identity remains a subject of speculation, with several theories circulating but no definitive confirmation.