LA man wanted over attempted Banksy theft

New Orleans police say they’re looking for a Los Angeles man accused of trying to steal a big chunk of cinder block wall bearing a painting by the renowned graffiti artist Banksy.

Police have a warrant to arrest Christopher Sensabaugh, 30, on charges of attempted theft and criminal damage to property, according to a news release.

The mural, which locals call the Rain Girl or the Umbrella Girl, was painted on a vacant building — Banksy’s usual canvas. It could be worth between $200,000 (€145,000) and $1.1m.

It shows a mournful girl holding an umbrella from which rain pours onto her as she extends a cupped hand into the clear air.

The wanted man was photographed by local residents, including two professional photographers, working behind a wooden screen and sitting on a rental truck. He told them he was removing the piece for an art show in London.

The man eventually left without the section of wall. A guard was posted to protect it, and it has since been plastered back into the wall.

Photographer Charlie Varley said the man gave his name only as Chris, and said he was a “private art handler from Los Angeles” hired by the building’s owner to send the piece of wall to London’s Tate Gallery. A spokesperson for the gallery said there are no plans for such an exhibition.