Bible still missing from church after theft charge

The leather bound Bible was removed from the church on St Peters Street

Detectives have said a "significantly sentimental" Bible remains missing from a church, despite having charged a man with theft.

The book was removed from St Peter's Church in St Albans on 15 November.

A 57-year-old man is due to appear before St Albans Magistrates' Court on 10 January.

The Bible has an inscription in the front dedicated to Brenda Chant, a former member of the congregation.

St Peter's Church is located close to the city centre

Det Con Aaron Golley said: "I'd like to thank the public for their response to our appeals, which was incredibly helpful in our investigation.

"However, the Bible remains outstanding and we want to return it to its rightful owners as soon as possible."

The inscription reads: "Presented to St Peter's Church, St Albans, in memory of Brenda Marion Chant, 1911-2012, a committed and active member of St Peter's Church, wife of former churchwarden David Chant. Dedicated 21st September 2014."

Hertfordshire Police said the description on the first page was "very specific"

Earlier this year, Historic England and the National Police Chiefs' Council published a report, highlighting the risk of an increase in theft of valuable heritage and cultural objects, due to rising inflation affecting their price.

The report said: "When items are stolen from our historic buildings and cultural sites, it impacts the communities who enjoy those spaces."