St Albans Pc replaces stolen football shirt signed by David Beckham

AN ENGLAND shirt signed by David Beckham, which was stolen ahead of a charity auction, has now been replaced thanks to a determined police officer.

The white strip signed by the football star and former England captain was taken from a frame on the wall in Vintage Emporium in Hatfield Road, St Albans, in mid June.

Proceeds from the sale were due to go to Keech Hospice Care to help provide support and care for children and teenagers with life-limiting conditions.

Nobody came forward to return the shirt but neighbourhood officer Neil Jeffery refused to let the matter rest and decided to try and get a replacement for the charity.

He said: “This theft was a callous act by someone, and neither me nor those involved in the auction of the shirt thought it right that the charity should have to suffer.

“Instead, we decided to approach David Beckham’s management company and ask for a new signed shirt. When they heard about the sad situation, they were more than happy to help.”

The shirt finally arrived and went for auction at the charity’s Butterfly Ball in October, raising �450.

Jacqui Shepherd, Keech’s fundraising director, said: “Thanks to Pc Neil Jeffery’s perseverance with David Beckham’s management company, the money raised from the second signed shirt will be put to good use for our children and their families. It just goes to show how people’s determination can make all the difference to charities like ours.”