Precious silverware stolen during raid on Wiltshire church

A silver plate, chalices and other items used for Holy Communion were taken from the Grade I-listed 12th century Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon.

Several items were stolen from the church sacristy, where articles used for worship are kept, sometime after the end of a Thursday choir practice.

A Diocese of Salisbury spokesperson said: “Silver, including chalices and items used for Holy Communion services, was stolen during a break-in last week at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon.

"Thieves smashed a door and damaged stonework to gain entry into the locked church.

"The ministry team and congregation are shocked and upset by the theft of the items, some of which had been used by the church for many generations. 

"Police are investigating the break-in and we appeal for anyone with any information to contact them.”

The silverware was stolen during a raid at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon. Image: Trevor Porter 76957-2 (Image: Trevor Porter)

A spokesperson for Wiltshire Police said: “We have received a report of a break-in at Holy Trinity Church in Bradford on Avon between March 31 and April 4, during which several items were stolen.

“Our enquiries are ongoing.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference 54240038783.”

It is understood the items were last used on Easter Sunday (March 31) for the traditional Eucharist service where Holy Communion takes place.

Shocked members of the Holy Trinity congregation were told about the theft during a church service on Sunday morning (April 7).

Churchwarden Vernon Burchell said: “Needless to say, we were all very upset. No-one likes to be burgled.”

Church-goer Jane Jones, who has attended Holy Trinity Church services for the past seven years, said: “We were told the break-in took place last Thursday and that the Parochial Church Council are dealing with it.

“Whoever did this broke into the sacristy but the congregation was not given a lot of detail.”

Gold and silver are in high demand with gold prices rocketing to their highest level for many years and continuing to break records while the price of silver is expected to double this year.

Holy Trinity Church is without a regular vicar following the retirement of Reverend Canon Joanna Abecassis, who took her last service on Sunday, January 28.

Associate Reverend Sarah Jackson is currently taking services at Holy Trinity, which is part of the Benefice including Wingfield and Westwood.