Silver candlesticks, plates and chalices have been taken from the historic Lady St Mary Church in Wareham in Dorset in a night time burglary.
Dorset Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward as they investigate the theft from the church at Church Green in the centre of Wareham.
The Lady St Mary Church at Church Green in Wareham
The church dates back to the 8th Century
It’s believed the stolen items were taken from the Grade I listed building between around 9.45 pm on Friday 14th April and 9 am on Saturday 15th April 2023.
The Lady St Mary Church dates back to the 8th Century and was rebuilt by the daughter of Alfred the Great around 900, with later editions in the 12th, 14th, 16th and 19th centuries.
The tower of Lady St Mary Church viewed from Wareham Bridge
Look out for silverware for sale
Police constable Ryan Dunkerley, of Purbeck Police, said:
“We are conducting enquiries into this burglary, and I am keen to hear from anyone who may have information that could assist our investigation.
“I would urge anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity in the area on the night of Friday 14th April 2023 to please get in touch.
“I would also like to speak to anyone who comes across silverware being offered for sale locally or online in suspicious circumstances.”
Contact Dorset Police
Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55230057398.
Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling Freephone 0800 555 111.
