Police in Fredericton, New Brunswick, are actively searching for suspects responsible for stealing a significant and historic brass bell from a local church just days before the new year.
Theft from St. Peter's Anglican Church
The Fredericton Police Force reported that a large brass bell was stolen from St. Peter's Anglican Church on Sunday, December 29, 2025. The theft represents a significant loss for the congregation and the local community, stripping the church of a piece of its auditory and cultural heritage.
Authorities have released an image of the stolen bell via social media, appealing to residents for any information that could lead to the identification of those responsible. The bell's substantial size and weight suggest the involvement of multiple individuals or the use of equipment to remove it from the premises.
Community Impact and Police Investigation
The removal of the bell is not merely a property crime; it severs a tangible link to the church's history and its role in community life. For generations, such bells have called worshippers to service and marked significant moments, making their loss deeply felt.
The Fredericton Police Force investigation is ongoing. Detectives are likely reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area and conducting neighbourhood canvasses. The unique nature of the stolen item—a large, distinctive brass bell—may complicate attempts by thieves to sell it unnoticed through conventional channels like pawn shops or online marketplaces.
Appeal for Public Assistance
Law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information about this church theft in New Brunswick to come forward. This includes residents who may have witnessed suspicious activity around St. Peter's Anglican Church on or around December 29th, or anyone who has been offered a large brass bell for sale under unusual circumstances.
The timing of the theft, during the holiday season, has added to the sense of violation. As the community entered a period of reflection and celebration, an institution at its heart was targeted. The police's public appeal underscores the importance of community vigilance in solving crimes against shared public and spiritual spaces.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Fredericton Police Force directly. The recovery of the bell would restore not just an object, but a voice to a historic place of worship in the city's downtown.
