The 1966 World Cup trophy was stolen from a stamp exhibition in London, but a dog named Pickles found it, saving the tournament from disaster. The theft occurred on March 20, 1966, when the Jules Rimet Trophy was on display at the Stanley Gibbons Stampex exhibition in Westminster.
The Theft
The Football Association had received the silver-gilt trophy in January 1966 before the scheduled World Cup tournament in July. The trophy was placed on public display at the Stanley Gibbons Stampex exhibition called “Sport with Stamps” at Methodist Central Hall in Westminster. However, on March 20, 1966, the trophy vanished from the exhibition.
The Investigation
The police investigation led by the Flying Squad was launched, and a ransom demand was made by a person claiming to be the thief. The demand was for £15,000, and the police set up a sting operation to catch the thief. However, the operation was bungled, and the thief escaped.
The Recovery
Just when it seemed like the trophy was lost forever, a dog named Pickles found it in a garden in Upper Norwood, south London. Pickles, a collie, was out for a walk with his owner, David Corbett, when he stumbled upon the trophy. Corbett was skeptical at first, but soon realized that the trophy was the real deal.
The Aftermath
The recovery of the trophy was a major relief for the Football Association and the English football team. England went on to win the 1966 World Cup, defeating West Germany 4-2 in the final. Pickles became a hero and was rewarded with a year's supply of dog food.