Graffiti artist Banksy sent out a message for shoplifters worldwide to ‘Put your boots on and go rob GUESS in London’. “They’ve helped themselves to my artwork without asking, how can it be wrong for you to do the same to their clothes?”

Banksy posted a photo of the Regent Street London store of the clothing retailer, and suggested shoplifters pay them a visit.

The shop featured Banksy’s Flower Thrower graffiti plus clothes bearing his images. The US clothing brand has advertiseda new collection “with graffiti by Banksy”.

The company said the collection was created in collaboration with Brandalised, which licenses designs by graffiti artists.

Banksy’s post forced Guess to close the store to the public, placed security outside while covering up the window display. Guess has not made any comment.

Last month, Guess 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.”