Seven Arrested After Recovery of Stolen WW1 Memorial Plaque in Kent, Essex

Two World War One memorial plaques, honoring more than 150 Medway soldiers, were stolen from Christ Church in Luton Road, Chatham. One plaque, weighing 93 kilograms, was recovered from a scrapyard in Essex following a tip-off from an anonymous scrap dealer, leading to the arrest of seven men aged between 22 and 51 from Dartford and the Medway area. Reverend Andrea Leonard of Christ Church expressed relief and gratitude towards the scrap merchant and police, emphasizing the plaques' importance to the community and the ongoing hope to recover the second missing plaque. Kent Police continue to appeal for public assistance, requesting residents with CCTV or motorists with dashcam footage to help locate the remaining plaque. The stolen plaques, installed in 1920, commemorate local soldiers who sacrificed their lives in World War One, and the community has been deeply affected by their theft. Authorities remain vigilant to prevent the plaques from being melted down and are prepared to consider replacements if necessary to preserve the memorial's integrity.