by Adam Williams

awilliams@thekmgroup.co.uk

Detectives investigating the theft of priceless brass from a village church have called on the public’s help to trace the metals.

St Mary’s Church, Bishopsbourne was struck by thieves over the festive season who broke-in to the vestry and stole precious items including candlesticks and an altar cross.

The callous theft took place sometime between 9.30am on Tuesday, December 27 and 4.30pm on Thursday, December 29.

Investigating officer Det Con Jonathan Heard would like to hear from anyone who may have seen the items or heard from anyone about their whereabouts.

He said: “This case provoked a lot of public interest at the time and it may be that whoever currently has the items is waiting until they believe interest has died down before they try to sell them on.

“It may be that someone sees them or is offered them for sale over the next few weeks. If this is the case we urge people to contact us as we would very much like to be able to return the stolen items to their rightful home.”

Three people arrested in connection with the incident, a 50-year-old man, a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, have been bailed until Wednesday, February 15 while enquiries continue.

The full list of items taken were two large brass candlesticks covered in semi-precious stones, a 2ft high brass altar cross (pictured top right), also covered in semi-precious stones, a brass church plate, a brass book rest (pictured above), five small brass vases and a small brass candlestick.

Detectives ask anyone with information to phone Kent Police on 101 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 quoting crime number ZY/4374/11.