London (CNN) -- An artwork by Barbara Hepworth, one of the most highly regarded sculptors of the 20th century, has been stolen from a park in London, amid what art experts fear is a metal theft "epidemic." The bronze sculpture called "Two Forms (Divided Circle)" stood in Dulwich Park for more than 40 years until it was removed on Monday night. The artwork was insured for Â£500,000 ($785,000) but one art expert said it was likely to be sold for scrap for just a few hundred pounds. Two years ago police said they believed that a Henry Moore bronze sculpture "Reclining Figure," valued at Â£3 million, stolen from the late artist's estate north of London was probably sold for just Â£1,500.Bronze artwork by sculptor Barbara Hepworth stolen from park in LondonArt expert says it was likely sold for scrap for just a few hundred poundsDemand for metals has led to thefts from railways, phone lines and war memorialsPoliticians are facing calls to increase controls on scrap metal dealers to counter thefts
"Her work is a major part of this country's cultural heritage and we very much hope the work will be recovered, so that the public can once again enjoy _) in its original setting."