‘Thou shalt not steal’ painting stolen from U.K. church, no signs of forced entry

The three paintings were reported stolen from St. Andrew’s Church in an eastern U.K. county. (Lincolnshire police)

Police are appealing for help from the public after religious paintings, including one that read ‘Thou shalt not steal,’ was reported missing from a church in eastern U.K.

The three paintings were reported stolen from St. Andrew’s Church in Little Steeping, near Spilsby – a nearby town, according to Lincolnshire police. They were discovered missing on Feb. 23.

The items, all housed in heavy wooden frames, included a painting of the Lord’s prayer, the Ten Commandments and one of Moses giving the commandments.

While the exact value of these paintings is unknown, it holds “sentimental value” to the church and its members, police said in a press release on Feb. 27.

Notably, one of the stolen paintings illustrates the ten commandments, which includes the command “Thou shalt not steal.”

'Thou shalt not steal' painting One of the stolen paintings illustrates the ten commandments, which includes the command “Thou shalt not steal.” (Lincolnshire police)

Police said the church did not show signs of forced entry.

Police are urging anyone who may have seen these paintings for sale, either in person or on online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, to come forward.

They are keen to find the person responsible, police added.