Medieval monuments have been stolen from four churches in the south Midlands this year. This has led to the suggestion that an organised gang may be stealing items to order.
One of six reredos panels was stolen during a break-in at St Peter’s, Drayford, near Abingdon, Oxfordshire, in March. In April, the head-section of a 14th-century effigy was stolen from All Saints’, Newland, Gloucestershire. The effigy is said to be that of a priest, Robert de Wakering, who founded the church in the 13th century.
More: Church Times