Stolen Yelverton church eagle restored after community helps solve theft
A century-old wooden eagle stolen from St Paul's Church in Yelverton has finally been returned after a police investigation led to a Plymouth man admitting handling stolen goods
A 100-year-old carved wooden eagle stolen from St Paul's Church in Yelverton has been returned after a Plymouth man admitted handling stolen goods.
The hand-carved eagle lectern was sawn from its pedestal and stolen from the church in May 2025. It was recovered a few days later following an anonymous phone call about its whereabouts.
Thomas Brumby, 49, of Plymouth, was arrested shortly after the theft on suspicion of theft and criminal damage.
Following a police investigation, Brumby appeared at Plymouth Magistrates' Court on Thursday 23 July 2026, where he pleaded guilty to handling stolen goods. He is due to be sentenced later this year.
Police said the recovery of the eagle followed a social media appeal by St Paul's Church, supported by neighbourhood officers in Tavistock. Enquiries within the local community also led to two witnesses coming forward.
Sergeant Tom Ottley, who leads neighbourhood policing teams in Tavistock and Okehampton, said: "We're pleased that the efforts of the neighbourhood policing team in Tavistock have led to a charge and that the Eagle has been rightfully returned to St Paul's Church.
"I would like to thank the people of Yelverton for their support - this wouldn't have been possible without the information they provided to us.
"I hope that this outcome offers reassurance to the local community and sends a clear message that criminal activity that threatens our valuable history will not be tolerated."
The eagle was restored by a specialist before being returned to St Paul's Church.
Rector Andrew Thomas said: "Our whole church community was shocked and deeply saddened by the damage and theft of a valuable and significant piece of our church furniture. We are pleased that a charge has been authorised and recompense is being made."
Devon and Cornwall Police said 109 crimes were recorded at churches and religious buildings across Devon and Cornwall between 1 January and 31 December 2025.
These included 60 thefts, 26 incidents of criminal damage and 23 reports of violence.
Rural Affairs Sergeant Julian Fry, the force lead for heritage crime, said: "Heritage crime causes serious, often irreversible harm to our churches, scheduled monuments and sites of historic interest… and once that history is gone, it's gone forever.
"Churches and places of worship are focal points for local neighbourhoods, particularly in rural towns and villages where they play a crucial role in building community and combatting isolation, and are a crucial part of history, often stretching back over hundreds of years.
"Thankfully, as a result of proactive policing and support from the people of Yelverton, the 100-year-old Eagle was recovered and has been restored to its former glory and returned to the church.
"It is important that we continue to raise awareness of heritage crime and I would like to encourage anyone who spots suspicious activity at a church or a heritage site to report it to police, no matter how minor it may seem."