In a quiet village in Kent, a terrible act has left locals feeling heartbroken and outraged.
Late one night, thieves stole two precious metal plaques from the gateway of Christ Church in Luton, Chatham.
These plaques weren’t just any decorations — they honored 150 local heroes who fought and died in the First World War.
For over a century, they stood as a powerful symbol of remembrance, and now their sudden disappearance has devastated the parish and the whole community.
A Heartbreaking Discovery by the Church Gardener
Jonathan Pout, the church’s head gardener and a retired engineer, was the first to notice something was terribly wrong on the morning of May 24.
Walking through the churchyard gate, he spotted something odd — wood lying on the ground where the plaques used to hang.
“At first, I thought it was just some fallen debris,” Jonathan told MailOnline, “but when I looked up, I saw the plaques were gone.
I couldn’t believe it.” Within minutes, others had gathered, the news spread online, and the police were alerted.
Jonathan described the plaques as much more than metal—they held deep sentimental value for everyone in the community.
“People were really angry and upset. These aren’t just decorations; they’re part of our history, and to see them stolen like this feels like a real betrayal.”
The Plaques Held Deep Meaning and Were Recently Restored
The memorials had recently been restored and placed back on the wooden gateway, known as the lychgate.
They were a focal point during Remembrance Day, where crosses and poppies were laid in honor of those named.
Reverend Andrea Leonard, who has led the church since 2015, expressed how devastating the theft was.
“It was a terrible shock. We all felt violated and very sad.
There were tears,” she said. “The plaques are priceless to us.
While the thieves might see a few hundred pounds in scrap metal, for us this is a desecration of a sacred memorial.”
A Calculated Crime with a Heavy Toll
The plaques were secured with special bolts, so Reverend Leonard suspects the thieves knew exactly what they were doing, rather than it being a random act.
The metal itself, brass, is valuable, but nothing compared to what the memorial represents.
Locals worry the thieves plan to melt down the plaques to sell the metal, which would make recovery even harder.
A family member of one of the war heroes has even offered a £500 reward for information leading to their return.
Community Voices Speak Out Against the Theft
The theft has struck a deeply personal chord with many.
Jennifer Reddich, whose great uncle died in the war, shared her heartbreak.
“The people who took the memorial are really bad. They’ve disrespected those who fought for our country,” she said.
“On Remembrance Day, we gathered here to remember, but now there’s nothing left.”
Others like Alex Ayers and Dawn Crook expressed their shock and sadness. “It’s horrible and shameful,” Alex said.
Dawn, who attends the church every Sunday, added, “Those soldiers gave everything for our country — this is just awful. We hope the police catch those responsible.”
Even young Leigha Pope, only 19, called the crime “outrageous” and “disgusting,” emphasizing how deeply the community feels the loss.
What Happens Next for the Church and Memorials
The current church building, constructed in 1983 after the original Victorian one was demolished, now faces a tough decision.
If the plaques can’t be recovered, Reverend Leonard says they will be replaced with replicas made from less valuable materials to prevent future theft.
The church has made a heartfelt plea for anyone with information to come forward, highlighting how much these memorials mean to everyone in the village.
“We are beyond sad to announce this desecration,” a church spokesperson said.
“These memorials have stood for over a hundred years, honoring those who gave everything for our freedom.
If you know anything, please help us bring them back.”