Brookton police investigating the theft of 70-year-old bell from Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Mass Centre

Police are investigating after a second bronze church bell was stolen from a church in Brookton, where it had rung for seven decades. The 70-year-old bell belongs to Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Mass Centre, which is near the centre of town on White Street. Police believe the solid bronze bell, measuring 35cm tall and 36.5cm wide, was stolen between October 11 and October 25. The bell has hung in the bell tower next to the church’s front entrance since the church was built in 1955. Members of the church had rung the bell for the last time on October 11 to celebrate the church’s 70th anniversary. The incident follows the investigation of a similar theft at Brookton’s oldest church, St Mark’s Anglican Church, where a 135-year-old bronze bell was stolen. St Mark’s Anglican Church member Jan Eva was one of the first to be alerted to the missing bells, and said the cast bronze bell could cost up to $16,000 to be replaced, according to the Anglican Church Diocese of Perth. Ms Eva believes the theft was organised in advance and suspects the thieves stole the bells to be sold as scrap metal. “People have said it’s sacrilege because (the bells) are there for everybody to appreciate and enjoy,” she said. “The bells can be smashed easily and melted down and the fact two are gone makes it more than a sick joke. “If it was taken as a laugh, you’d hope that they return it. “We’d like to think it might pop up but that’s being wishful.” She said members of the Brookton churches had spread the word to lookout for thieves and that several regional churches has taken their bells down for safekeeping. “We urge everyone to keep an eye on any sort of metal plaque, bell, anything that’s metal that can be broken up for funds, to watch them,” Ms Eva said. Police urge anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area around this time, or who has information regarding the whereabouts of the bell, to contact Brookton Police Station or report to Crime Stoppers at crimestopperswa.com.au or 1800 333 000. Reports to Crime Stoppers can be made anonymously.