Thieves made off with a heavy brass lectern after targeting a church in a village near Ipswich.
The incident happened between Sunday, February 12 and Thursday, February 23 at St Gregory's Church in Church Lane, Hemingstone.
According to a Suffolk police spokesman, the thieves also attempted to steal a large bronze eagle that sits on top of the lectern from inside the church.
It had been moved near to the door of the church and officers believe the burglars planned a second visit to remove it.
It has now been taken to a secure location away from the church to prevent it from being stolen.
Police said the lectern is a heavy item and would require at least two people to move it.
Officers are now appealing for any witnesses to the theft or people with information to come forward.
Anyone who has any information that could help the investigation is asked to contact Suffolk police, quoting crime reference number 37/11806/23.
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