'Harry Potter' handwritten prequel stolen, J.K. Rowling asks fans not to buy it

Culture

An extremely valuable, one of a kind, piece of Harry Potter memorabilia — a handwritten prequel penned by J.K. Rowling — has been stolen, says the West Midlands Police. The unique story was written on two sides of an A5 postcard, and was originally sold for $32,152 as part of a charity auction in 2008.

The West Midlands Police investigating officer Paul Jauncey issued the following statement in response to the theft: "The only people who will buy this unique piece are true Harry Potter fans. We are appealing to anyone who sees, or is offered this item for sale, to contact police."

Author J.K. Rowling has also issued her own plea, taking to Twitter to ask fans not to buy the stolen story. 

According to CBS News, the short prequel features Harry's father, James Potter, who, along with Sirius Black, must escape from police using their magic. The West Midlands Police believe the valuable postcard was stolen, along with various pieces of jewelry, in an April burglary. 

The police are asking that anyone who has any information regarding the whereabouts of the postcard or the break-in to contact the authorities.

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