A PROJECTOR has been returned to the church from where it was brazenly stolen from more than a week ago.

Northwich Police officers returned the item to delighted Town Councillors on Monday, November 24, and along with the church will now be able to make plans for how it can used as part of Christmas celebrations.

What happened?

At some point over the weekend of November 21-22, the projector, which had been used to illuminate the tower of St Helens Parish Church with a giant poppy to mark Remembrance Week, was stolen from the churchyard.

There was public outcry about the theft, with the light show taking on extra poignancy this year due to the latest lockdown resulting in Remembrance Day Services and Parades being cancelled.

Northwich Guardian:

The illuminated poppy had proved extremely popular with Northwich residents.

After receiving the report, detectives from Northwich Beat Team launched an investigation and a number of lines of enquiry were followed and a number of addresses across the town were visited.

Following relentless investigative activity by the investigation team an anonymous member of the public reported that the projector had been dumped near Roker Park.

What did they have to say?

Reverend Andrew Ridley, the vicar of St Helens Parish Church, said: "I am extremely pleased and relieved that that the projector has now been recovered and I would like to thank everyone who has helped with the investigation.

"The support and generosity that we have seen from the local community has been outstanding and it demonstrates the importance that the projector has to local residents.

"Following its recovery I look forward to working with the town council to use the projector as part of our Christmas celebrations."

Chris Shaw, Northwich Town Clerk said: "I am so glad the projector has been found and can now be used once again to light up St Helens Church.

"A big thank you must go out to the amazing community of Northwich and to our local Police Officers who have worked so hard in retrieving this equipment."

Chief Inspector Gary Smith, of Northwich Local Policing Unit, said: "I would like to say a huge thank you to all of the detectives and officers involved in this case and everyone who came forward with information to aid their investigation.

"The projection of the poppy onto the church tower acted as a poignant reminder of what our parents and grandparents went through during the two world wars and it’s pleasing to see that it has now been returned and can be used by future generations."

What happens next?

While the church and Town Council can now make plans to provide the people of Northwich with a Christmas related light show, the police will continue in their efforts to now find the hapless thief.

Chief Inspector Smith went on: "While no arrests have been made at this time, our investigation remains ongoing and I urge anyone with any information in relation to the theft the contact the team here at Northwich."

Anyone with any information in relation to the theft is asked to call Cheshire Constabulary on 101, quoting IML 853003, or visit https://www.cheshire.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/.

Information can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.