Are we going back in time? I thought he'd retired...

Norwich Puppet Man's money stolen in Gentleman's Walk

Friends have rallied around the 'Puppet Man' after the well-known city busker's collection box was stolen.

The incident is said to have happened at around 2.30pm on Wednesday outside Lloyds bank in Gentleman's Walk.

Two young men are reported to have approached the street performer, whose real name is David Perry, to ask for directions to the castle.

While he was distracted taking one of the men around the corner, the other is said to have swiped his box full of change - which had around £30 in - as well as batteries for his heater.

Joe Sylvester, of Joe’s Pet Foods at Norwich Market, opposite the spot often used by the Puppet Man, said: “We feel like we have let him down.

“He has a really hard time of it and is quite vulnerable, but we consider him a great friend, and try to look out for him.

“We told him not to worry and that we would give him the cash.”

Mr Perry, who is believed to be around 80 years old, lives in Great Yarmouth and can also be seen busking in the coastal town.

Another local trader, who asked not to be named, reported seeing two police officers talking to Mr Perry outside of Lloyds after the robbery.

However, a Norfolk police spokesman said the incident had not been reported to them.

The trader said that Mr Perry headed home as he was feeling “quite disheartened" after the theft.

The Puppet Man, as he has become known fondly through the years, was not in his usual spot in the city centre this lunchtime.

It is not the first time Mr Perry has had problems on the streets.

He was left with cuts and bruises to his face in 2010 after being attacked in Great Yarmouth, where a frustrated shop owner also poured water over his stereo in 2015 - before later apologising and replacing it.

Posted By: DrDublin on December 7th 2023 at 19:49:53

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