Stone Plaque Stolen From Herefordshire Church

Police in Herefordshire are appealing for information from the public as they investigate a theft from a church in the county.

The incident occurred at Abbeydore Church sometime between 7am on Sunday 26 August and 12.45pm on Tuesday 28 August.

Sometime during the time period in question it appears that thieves entered the church - which is left open for visitors during the day - and approached a stone burial plaque that is on the wall inside.

This stone burial plaque has been stolen from Abbeydore ChurchIt appears the thieves then removed the stone plaque from the metal brackets that held it in place and made off with it. The metal brackets were left in place so it appears the thieves came prepared and used tools of some sort to remove the plaque from the wall.

A police spokesman said:

"The stolen burial plaque commemorates Bishop of Hereford John De Breton and is extremely unusual. The value of the plaque is not known but due to its age it is essentially irreplaceable.

"Local churchgoers are devastated by the theft of this stone and we are very keen to find not only the stone itself, but also the individual or individuals responsible for stealing it.

"Removing the stone from the wall would not have been a straightforward job and therefore it appears likely that more than one person was involved in this theft.

"We have released an image of the burial stone today in the hope that someone recognises it and might provide us with information that helps us return it to its rightful home.

"Anyone with information about this theft is asked to contact police officers in Hereford on 101 or 0300 333 3000, quoting incident number 83N 280812.

"Alternatively, please remember Crimestoppers can also be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 if you'd rather leave information without identifying yourself."

Issued: Thursday 30 August 2012