A Richmond barber shop is calling on thieves to return 'Paul the Alien,' after it was stolen during the Halloween week.

George Angeli - owner of Richmond Barbers was shocked when he played back CCTV footage which appeared to show a group of girls taking Paul from the shop's front at around 12.13am on October 29.

Mr Angeli said: "Paul's been with us for about six months - he's a part of our team.

"He was taken in the evening when we closed our doors because it was cold.

"When I went to open the door Paul was gone.

Your Local Guardian:

Happier times: 'Paul the Alien' with his co workers at Richmond Barbers before the kidnapping.

"I went to watch the CCTV and saw that some school girls took him and you could tell from watching the footage that they planned this.

"The girls are all under 15 and it's quite shocking because they are so young."

Mr Angeli describes Paul as being 'a hit with children' which is another reason why he would like the alien to be returned back to the shop.

He explained: "The shop has been broken into twice before and Paul wasn’t stolen.

Your Local Guardian:

An instagram page has also been set up in the hopes that the shop mascot is returned to its rightful owners.

"Two young boys came into the shop on Thursday night and asked if there was a reward for Paul, we asked them what they wanted, one of them said £20 each.

"We told them bring him back in one piece and we'll see.

"He was pretty cocky - his response was no, because you probably won't pay us.

"He kept going on and on, saying things like 'we know he's worth about £300, I can get him back.'

"In the end we wanted them out of the shop so told them that everything was being recorded on CCTV."

Your Local Guardian:

Mr Angeli believes 'Paul the Alien' was stolen by local school girls.

A spokesperson from Met Police South West Unit said: "An allegation of theft was received by police on November 4 in connection with the theft of a statue from outside a shop on Red Lion Street, Richmond on October 29.

"At this stage there have been no arrests.

"We are aware of images circulating on social media, the content of which is being assessed.

"Anyone who can assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting crime reference number 0712099/19, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."