City of London Police have confirmed that their enquiries into the theft of the Worshipful Company of Butchers (WCB) Master’s Chain from Butchers’ Hall are still ongoing.
The theft of the Master’s Chain of Office was discovered on Friday 3rd October just before a Court Meeting at the Hall, and despite all best efforts by the police, the WCB has confirmed that at this moment in time, the Chain has not been traced or recovered.
Insurance appeal upheld
Last week, an appeal submitted to the WCB insurers was upheld and the Livery Companies’ Mutual awarded a discretionary payment of £72,000 in respect of the loss. This was in addition to an initial payout of £5,000 received in November 2025.
A statement issued by the WCB confirmed that a payout has been agreed following its claim but added that “the compensation payout does not alleviate the emotional and devastating loss of a most precious Livery asset”.
It said that the WCB will now move forward and consider the next steps to replace the Master’s Chain.
According to the WCB, internal security protocols were followed on the day of the discovery, and the Company has confirmed that a “thorough review” of all data and security systems had been undertaken since the theft in order to assist the City of London Police with their investigation.
The missing Chain was presented to the WCB in 1987 by Past Master Norman Poulteney.
