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Pickles and the Stolen World Cup

In 1966 England won the football World Cup. But would there be a trophy to collect? Simon Watts investigates the story.

In 1966 host nation England won the football World Cup.

But the national team very nearly had no trophy to hold aloft after triumphing over Germany in a memorable final. In the run-up to the tournament, the cup was on display in central London when it was stolen from right under the noses of a round-the-clock police guard.

The investigation into the theft quickly turned to farce with a flat-footed Scotland Yard failing to find the cup. A dog called Pickles put the police to shame when he found the missing trophy while on his daily walk.

Simon Watts finds out more, meeting owner Dave Corbett who recalls how he and Pickles became national heroes for returning the trophy.

Producer/Presenter: Simon Watts

First broadcast on the 麻豆社 World Service in 2016.

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10 minutes

On radio

Sun 19 Jul 2026 07:40GMT

Broadcasts

  • Wed 23 Jun 2010 04:50GMT
  • Wed 23 Jun 2010 07:50GMT
  • Wed 23 Jun 2010 10:50GMT
  • Wed 23 Jun 2010 22:50GMT
  • Sun 19 Jul 2026 07:40GMT
  • Sun 19 Jul 2026 12:40GMT
  • Sun 19 Jul 2026 18:40GMT
  • Mon 20 Jul 2026 02:40GMT

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