May 14 (UPI) — English police and author J.K. Rowling issued a public plea Friday asking for thieves to turn over a rare handwritten Harry Potter story that was stolen last month.
West Midlands Police said the story, penned in 2008 on two sides of a postcard, is “extremely valuable.” It was auctioned at a charity event and sold for about $32,000 to investment banker Hira Digpal. The 800-word prequel was later published and sold out in a day.
The postcard and some jewelry were stolen from a safe in a private residence during a break-in between April 13 and April 24.
“The only people who will buy this unique piece are true Harry Potter fans. We are appealing to anyone who sees, or is offered this item for sale, to contact police,” Officer PC Paul Jauncey said.
Rowling, on her Twitter page, implored the public to take action if they come across the stolen item.
“PLEASE DON’T BUY THIS IF YOU’RE OFFERED IT. Originally auctioned for @englishpen, the owner supported writers’ freedoms by bidding for it,” she said.
