Holy Heist! 150-Year-Old Brass Eagle Stolen from Church.
A Beloved Relic Stolen: Brass Eagle stolen from St Augustine’s Church in Daylight
A brazen theft has rocked the congregation of St Augustine’s Church in Edgbaston. A 150-year-old brass eagle lectern, a cherished feature of the church since its opening in 1868, was stolen on June 10th, 2024.
The Theft:
Church CCTV captured the culprit, a hooded figure who entered the church around 11:00 AM. The thief believed to be familiar with the church’s routines due to their swift actions and possession of a blanket, removed the eagle lectern and concealed it before leaving the premises. This opportunistic act occurred just twenty minutes after Reverend Matthew Tomlinson, the vicar for the past 24 years, had departed, and ten minutes before his return.
WATCH THE FOOTAGE OF THE THEFT BELOW!
We are saddened to report that the eagle has been stolen from our Victorian brass lectern. The theft occurred on the morning of 10th June by a solo man walking into church and removing it from the column, covering it in a blanket and walking out with it.@bbcmtd pic.twitter.com/47OtYY1by9
— St Augustine's Church, Edgbaston (@StAugBham) June 10, 2024
Reverend Tomlinson expressed his profound disappointment at the violation of the church’s longstanding tradition of open doors for over 160 years. He remains hopeful that a member of the public might have witnessed the thief leaving with the stolen eagle and will come forward with information. also, The situation is similar to when the brass Eagle Lectern from the narthex of Christ Church Cathedral was stolen in 2011.
Investigation Underway:
West Midlands Police are actively investigating the theft. They are reviewing CCTV footage from both the church and surrounding areas to identify the suspect. The public is urged to come forward with any information regarding the missing eagle or the culprit. Details on how to contact the police can be found on their website or by calling their hotline.
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Public Reaction:
News of the stolen eagle has sparked outrage and disappointment among the community. Many have expressed their hope for the safe return of the relic while the investigation continues. The estimated value of the brass eagle is unknown, but its sentimental value to the church and its congregation is immeasurable.
Content Credit/ Ajibola Emmanuel Adebayo
Picture Credit/ https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/brazen-thief-strolls-church-steals-33014441
