7 hours ago
Thieves steal 185-year-old church bell in NSW Hunter Valley
A Hunter Valley farming community is reeling after a 185-year-old church bell was sheared off with an angle grinder.
Police said the bell was cut from its supports in a structure outside the former St Ann's Presbyterian Church at Paterson.
Police officer Chief Inspector Rob Post said the bell was taken between last Thursday and Sunday afternoon.
He was concerned thieves had taken it to have it melted down, cashing in on metal prices.
Property owner Louise Shirvington said she was devastated.
"It just seem so pointless that someone is taking it for scrap metal," Ms Shirvington said.
"They would've needed two men, possibly three to like carry it away."
She said she believed a vehicle was involved.
Ms Shirvington said the community had offered support.
"I've had lots of phone calls and messages from people," she said.
"It's lovely to think that it means as much to other people as it does to me."
Paterson Historical Society president Cameron Archer said the church bell had enormous significance in the community.
"There's special significance because on Armistice Day when the Great War finished in 1918, it was rung that hard it cracked," he said.
That day was known as Armistice Day, now known as Rememberence Day.
"It's more than just any old bell and it's been there for over 180 years so we're pretty shocked about this act," Mr Archer said.
Mr Archer choked up when reflecting on how special the bell was.
"I mean that would be a tough feat to crack it given it's probably all made of bronze," he said.
"It just gives you an idea of the jubilation that would have been through that little village in 1918 when the war ended.
Ms Shirvington said she hoped the bell would be returned.
Mr Archer said it was a low act.
"They sized it up and also went with the angle grinders, which is pretty depressing," he said.
Chief Inspector Post said officers wanted to hear from anyone with information.
"Officers are investigating and hoping to secure CCTV or dash-cam vision to try and determine who took the bell," he said.
Ms Shirvington said local scrap metal dealers had been supportive and were looking out for the church bell.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers or Raymond Terrace police.
