Thieves target Mirfield memorial plaques

Thieves who targeted a church in West Yorkshire stole 169 memorial plaques from the grounds.

Police said the plaques were taken from the church yard of St Mary's Church on Church Lane, Mirfield.

Officers said the plaques were all old and they believed it was the value of the purer metal that had attracted attention.

Two men were arrested. A 37-year-old remains in custody, while a 26-year-old was released on bail.

Insp Jenny Thompson said: "The theft of metal is a serious crime wherever it happens, but this theft of so many memorial plaques is particularly despicable.

"Whilst we have made arrests, I would like to reassure the public, especially anyone who has been personally affected by this crime, that the police have been carrying a large number of inquiries into the thefts as part of our investigation.

"Officers have been visiting local scrap metal dealers in the area to see if merchants have had anyone at their businesses trying to sell them these plaques."