Elusive artist Banksy tells fans to shoplift from a Guess store after the label 'helped themselves to my artwork'

• Anonymous graffiti artist Banksy encouraged shoplifters to steal from a Guess store in London.
• He claimed that the label has used his designs without permission.

Anonymous graffiti artist Banksy has suggested shoplifters should pay a visit to a Guess store in central London, claiming that the label used his designs without permission.

On Friday he posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: "Attention all shoplifters. Please go to Guess on Regent's Street. They've helped themselves to my artwork without asking, how can it be wrong for you to do the same to their clothes?"

Guess said the collection was created legally through a partnership with Brandalised, "an urban graffiti licensing company whose mission is to offer Banksy fans affordable graffiti collectibles."

Shortly after Banksy's post, Guess closed the Regent Street store, and covered up the window display, BBC News reported.

A post shared by Banksy (@banksy)

Guess first advertised its Banksy-inspired capsule collection in October.

At the time, chief creative officer Paul Marciano said: "The graffiti of Banksy has had a phenomenal influence that resonates throughout popular culture. This new capsule collection with Brandalised is a way for fashion to show its gratitude."

The collection is priced between $41 and $279 and includes Banksy's Thug for Life bunny and Livin' The Dream Mickey Mouse, which first appeared on a billboard in Sunset Boulevard.

It's unclear if Banksy approved Brandalised's deal with Guess. If he did, some have speculated that his shoplifting call could be part of a guerrilla marketing campaign, per the BBC.

Guess, Brandalised and Banksy did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Insider.