The world cup trophy of 66’ was stolen on 20th March 1966. It was on public display in a glass cabinet during the “Sports with Stamps” exhibition in Westminster.
The following day a telephone call was made to Joe Mears chairman of Chelsea F.C. and The Football Association, alerting him that the package had been left at Stamford Bridge: it contained a £15,000 ransom demand.
On Sunday the 27th of March, in Beulah Hill, Upper Norwood, South London, a four-year-old Collie named Pickles, whilst taking a walk with his owner, David Corbett, discovered the trophy wrapped in newspaper lying by the front of the wheel of a parked car.
Corbett claimed a reward of £5,000 (equivalent to about £147,156.47 in 2025) as a reward. Pickles was awarded the silver medal of the National Canine Defense League.
Later in life Pickles appeared on televisions shows like Blue Peter. He was named “Dog of the Year” and was awarded a year of free food by pet food manufacturer Spillers.
