Detectives investigating the theft of a brass cross from St Mary’s Church at Bishopsbourne near Canterbury have made three arrests.

A 20-year-old woman from Canterbury was arrested on Thursday 5 January 2012, on suspicion of burglary. She has been bailed until Tuesday 10 January.

A 23-year-old Canterbury man was arrested yesterday, Friday 6 January, also on suspicion of burglary and a 50-year-old Canterbury man was arrested on Tuesday 3 January and has been bailed until 26 January while enquiries continue.

Two large brass candlesticks covered in semi-precious stones, a 2ft high brass altar cross, also covered in semi-precious stones, a brass church plate, a brass book rest, five small brass vases and a small brass candlestick were taken from the church’s locked vestry sometime between 9.30am on Tuesday 27 December 2011 and 4.30pm on Thursday 29 December 2011.

Police are still appealing for information about the break-in and ask anyone with information to call Kent Police on 101 or Kent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Hawkinge Gazette and Channel Coast News 2012©