Sarah, who was murdered by paedophile Roy Whiting in July 2000 after going missing from near her grandparents home.
The 2ft statue of Sarah, who was just eight years old when she was killed, was presented to Burhill County Primary School in Hersham in memory of Sarah, who was a pupil at the school.
Tonight, Sarah's mother Sara begged the public for help, saying: “I implore the public to help me and the police bring my Sarah's memorial statue back where it belongs.”
Surrey police believe the statue may have been stolen around 1am on 11 March.
It’s reported that three people were seen in the area at the time and are believed to be involved in the theft. A van was also seen in the area at the time.
“We are carrying out a number of enquiries to identify the offenders responsible for this theft, which is particularly reprehensible given that it was presented to the school in memory of Sarah Payne,” Elmbridge neighbourhood sergeant Marc Nettleingham said.
“I am appealing to anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time of the offence, or with any other information, to come forward straight away.”
Whiting is currently behind bars and will serve at least 50 years in prison.
Tragically, Sarah’s father, Michael Payne was found dead at his home in Maidstone, Kent, in October 2014. Her mother, Sara, campaigned tirelessly for a change in the law to allow individuals to access information about known paedophiles living in their areas.
Sara was awarded an MBE for her work in 2008 and in 2011, Sarah’s Law was introduced.
Anyone with information about the statue has been urged to contact Surrey Police on 101.