Thieves steal "irreplaceable" historic artefact (From Hereford Times)

Thieves steal "irreplaceable" historic artefact

12:30pm Thursday 30th August 2012 in News By Lauren Rogers

This stone burial plaque has been stolen from Abbeydore Church

AN "irreplaceable" historic artefact has been stolen from Abbeydore church.

Police are investigating after a theft from the Golden Valley church, also known as Dore Abbey, sometime between 7am on August 26 and 12.45pm on August 28.

They believe thieves entered the church - which is left open for visitors during the day - and took a stone burial plaque that was hanging on the wall. They must have removed the stone from the metal wall brackets that using tools.

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."