Officers investigating the theft of an irreplaceable brass eagle lectern from St Augustine’s Church in Edgbaston have made an arrest. The incident occurred on June 10, when the valuable lectern was stolen, prompting a city-wide appeal for information.
Local neighbourhood officers worked tirelessly to identify a suspect, leading to the apprehension of a 61-year-old man. He is currently in police custody, facing charges related to the theft. The stolen lectern, a cherished piece of Birmingham’s heritage, has been recovered after it turned up at a scrap metal dealer. Authorities have since returned it to its rightful place within the church.
Detective Inspector Sarah Turner, who led the investigation, praised the community’s cooperation: “We’re grateful for the public’s assistance in this case. Their vigilance and willingness to come forward with information played a crucial role in solving this crime.”
Despite the recovery of the lectern, the investigation remains ongoing. Authorities urge anyone with additional information to contact them via the non-emergency number 101 or through Live Chat, quoting crime number 20/572880/24.
