A second stolen memorial plaque has been recovered by police investigating the theft of war memorials from a Chatham churchyard, with an eighth suspect now arrested in connection with the crime.
The plaques were taken from Christ Church on Luton Road at around 10pm on Friday, 23 May 2025, in what has been widely condemned as a shameful act of desecration. The bronze memorials, which honoured First World War servicemen, had been prised from their display and removed from the site.
Recovery Mission Spanned Kent and Essex
Following the initial recovery of one plaque from a scrapyard in Essex on Thursday, 28 May, officers continued their investigation across multiple business premises in Kent and Essex in a determined effort to locate the second.
The second memorial was ultimately recovered on Friday, 29 May, though it had sustained visible damage. It has since been returned to the Medway parish, and efforts are underway to fully restore it.
New Arrest and Vehicle Seizure
A 38-year-old man from Chatham was arrested on Friday, 30 May in connection with the theft. A Range Rover linked to the investigation was also seized.
Police have now arrested a total of eight men, including seven previously detained suspects from the Dartford and Medway areas, who have all been conditionally bailed while enquiries continue.
Officer’s Statement
PC Alanya Spiller, leading the case, said:
“Our team have been really focused on recovering these two items that are so special to the Luton community and the relatives of those who gave their lives in the First World War.
We are hopeful that the damaged plaque can be fully restored.
Equally important is the task of bringing those responsible for the theft to justice.”
The thefts triggered widespread outrage across the Medway towns, with local residents and veterans’ groups expressing deep sadness and anger over the targeting of sacred memorials.
