Darth Vader helmet ‘is stolen by man who broke into J.J. Abrams’ film company through roof and took off with Star Wars props’
A man has been arrested for allegedly stealing the Darth Vader helmet used in the Star Wars movies after breaking into a film company through the roof.
Frank Hebert, 38, allegedly stole Star Wars memorabilia – including a Darth Vader and Stormtrooper helmet – from J.J. Abrams’ film company Bad Robot Productions in Santa Monica, California on Monday night, according to TMZ.
Sources told the website that Hebert was captured on surveillance video illegally gaining entry into the company through the rooftop, before casually leaving with a shopping cart full of props.
Iconic: The Darth Vader helmet was allegedly stolen from a film company in Santa Monica on Monday night (pictured The Empire Strikes Back)
Insiders say Hebert was discovered pushing the cart full of props down the street not long after by police, who found the helmets buried beneath a pile of Star Wars pillows.
He was subsequently arrested and booked for felony non-residential burglary.
The helmets were eventually returned to their owners.
The alleged crime took place at the company led by J.J. Abrams, who directed numerous Star Wars films including the 2019 movie Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
Targeted: A Stormtrooper helmet was also allegedly stolen (pictured Rogue One: A Star Wars Story)
In safe hands: The items Hebert stole – which also included an array of Star Wars pillows – were eventually returned to their owners (pictured Star Wars Episode VI – Return Of The Jedi)
The incident also occurred days before the death of the actor who played Darth Vader, David Prowse.
The British actor and former bodybuilder died at age 85 following a battle with COVID-19.
Prowse played the iconic villain in the original three George Lucas movies.
His daughter Rachel, 50, paid tribute to him, writing: ‘He might have looked quite scary but as a person he was a sweet, kind and generous man. He really was a gentle giant. And to us he was our dad.’
‘He really was a gentle giant’: Darth Vader actor David Prowse passed away at age 85 following a battle with COVID-19
She added: ‘It’s horrible that Covid restrictions meant we did not get to see him and say goodbye. But when we went to collect his stuff from the hospital the nurse said what a cool guy he was.
‘He was such a larger-than-life character. He would have loved to see himself trending on Twitter.’
His daughter also confirmed he had been previously been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
Prowse was cast as the iconic villain due to his imposing physique, however his character was famously voiced by James Earl Jones.
Theft: Sources told the website that Hebert was captured on surveillance video illegally gaining entry into the building through the rooftop, before leaving with a shopping cart full of props