Seven men arrested after memorial plaque stolen from Chatham churchyard is recovered in a dramatic bust by Kent Police.
Memorial Theft Rocks Chatham
At around 10pm on Friday, 23 May 2025, two precious memorial plaques vanished from Christ Church on Luton Road, Chatham. The shocking heist sparked fury and concern across the local community, with news spreading like wildfire.
Kent Police launched a rapid investigation to track down the stolen plaques and bring those responsible to justice.
Stolen Plaque Found at Essex Scrapyard
Just five days later, officers traced one stolen plaque to a scrapyard in Essex. This led to the swift arrest of two Dartford men, aged 25 and 26, caught near the iconic Dartford Crossing.
Further probes uncovered five more suspects, aged between 22 and 51, all from the Medway area. All seven men remain in police custody, charged in connection with the Chatham memorial theft.
Missing Plaque Still Out There
While one memorial plaque has been safely returned, the second remains missing. Police urge the public to come forward with any information to help complete the investigation.
PC Alanya Spiller said: “The loss of these memorials hit the local community hard. We were pleased to return one plaque so quickly. We are still searching for the second and ask anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage, especially in the Luton Road or Dartford Crossing areas, to get in touch.”
How You Can Help
- Contact Kent Police on 01634 792209, quoting reference 46/87178/25
- Give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online
Every tip counts in bringing closure to this heartless theft from Chatham’s Christ Church.
