BRAZEN thieves using "specialist equipment" stole nine extremely heavy bronze public artworks on the Southside.

Police and housing bosses are calling for witnesses to the bizarre crime that is believed to have taken place over the weekend.

The 16 giant bronze pinecones in the Gorbals are not just for decoration but also serve as a vital traffic calming measure.

New Gorbals Housing Association was told on Monday morning that nine had been taken and a 10th damaged.

Fraser Stewart, Director of New Gorbals Housing Association, said: "This is a theft of community public art that not only enhanced our streets but made them safer.

"The pinecones were a feature of McNeil Street and Moffat Street, adding to the character of the neighbourhood.

"We urge anyone who may have any information to contact Police Scotland, as we are anxious to see their safe return to their rightful place in the community.”

The unique pinecone bollards were created by Gorbals Art Project and installed in 1998.

Made from cast bronze, the artwork consists of 16 bronze pinecones.

Glasgow Times: Pine Cone Bollards

These have been the target of theft before, and a few pieces have been replaced over the years.

However, this time nine bollards were stolen over the weekend and another damaged as part of an attempted removal.

The bollards are extremely heavy and would require specialist equipment to remove.

Anyone with information related to this crime, should contact Police Scotland.

New Gorbals Housing Association now has more than 100 staff and an annual turnover of £14 million.

It has invested around £180m in more than 1000 new homes and the refurbishment of 1500.

The Association now owns and manages 2500 homes in the Gorbals and factors 1600 private properties.