Mayor appeals for return of ceremonial chain

The mayor of Kirklees has said the people of Dewsbury will feel the loss of the town's civic mayoral chain "deeply" after it was stolen by thieves.

The chain, which dates back to 1897, was taken during a burglary at Dewsbury Town Hall on Sunday.

Kirklees mayor Councillor Liz Smaje said the chain was a "piece of Dewsbury's story", adding that it "belongs to the town and its people".

She added: "The Dewsbury mayoral chain is not just a ceremonial object, it is a powerful symbol of the town's identity, history and civic pride.

"It has been worn in service of the community for generations, and its loss will be felt deeply by residents who value Dewsbury's heritage," she said.

"I am appealing directly to anyone who may have information, or who may come into contact with the chain, to help ensure it is returned safely."

Police said the item was stolen from inside a cabinet within the Town Hall.

Det Insp Divek Ubhi said: "Our crime scene specialists have been active at the scene and we have been speaking with businesses in the area near the town hall to try and recover any and all available CCTV which may assist the investigation.

"I would again ask anyone who has footage which shows suspicious behaviour at the time of the break-in, or just after, to please contact us. Also, anyone who has information about persons trying to sell the chains, as pictured, is urged to get in touch."

A number of mayoral chains have been taken from towns and cities across the UK in recent years, including Hornsea and Bridlington in East Yorkshire, as well as Bury in Greater Manchester.

Councils in Bury and Hornsea both told the BBC their items, which were stolen in 2015 and 2021 respectively, were never recovered.

In Pateley Bridge in North Yorkshire, regalia belonging to the town's mayor and mayoress was stolen, although the mayor's was recovered after it was sold to a jewellers in Doncaster.

Councils in Bristol, Marlborough and Meltham in West Yorkshire have also had similar items taken.

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