Tears flowed from parishioners after the heartless theft of twin metal plaques – tributes to 150 fallen First World War servicemen – from Christ Church Luton in Chatham, Kent. The appalling theft was discovered by Jonathan Pout, Christ Church Luton’s chief gardener, early on Saturday, May 24.
The church’s reverend, Andrea Leonard, aged 65 and church leader since 2015, spoke of shock as the memorials had graced the church for about a century before thieves struck under cover of night last Friday. Rev. Leonard expressed the anguish felt: “There were definitely tears. It’s part of the church, it’s part of the community, and in a way it’s part of people’s relatives.”
She elaborated on the connection between the community and the memorial: “People say ‘oh my great uncle was on that list’, and people recognise the names on there.” Rev. Leonard drew a stark contrast between material and sentimental loss, stressing the sanctity of the plaques: “If the church had been broken into and a computer stolen I’d have said ‘oh, we can get another one’.”
She continued with profound dismay at the violation: “But this is desecration. It’s horrible. The fact that someone can have that lack of respect for people that gave everything for us to be free is just shocking.” Furthermore, Rev. Leonard surmised the plaques’ security features suggested they were taken by experienced thieves rather than random vandalism.
In response to the theft, the church, bolstered by a kind donation, has put forward a £500 reward for information leading to the return of the historic plaques. Should the original plaques not be found, Rev. Leonard mentioned plans to commission replicas using less precious materials to continue honouring the heroes.
The reverend expressed her community’s resilience, stating: “Because we’re a military area, we’ve already had veterans’ associations saying that they would help us with fundraising to make replacements that are not worth stealing, made of something different.”
She remained optimistic about preserving the memorial’s legacy: “We’ve got enough photographs as well to have all the names, so that’s not going to be an issue, I don’t think.” Despite the loss, she suspects the stolen plaques may be irrecoverable: The reverend now believes the plaques are going to be used for scrap metal, and may already be destroyed.
Reflecting on the community’s reaction, she said: “Initially, after the shock had settled in, people were very angry. The whole community is very angry as well.” However, she emphasised the need for a measured response: “But, as a Christian community we have to respond in a different way – we don’t want to make a lynch mob to go out and find someone.”
The reverend underlined the importance of justice over vengeance: “We’ve got to work on committing that person to justice. We want to see justice done, but we don’t want to be vindictive.” The incident has prompted involvement from local authorities: Kent Police has been contacted for comment.
