A HEAVY toll will be paid by three people involved in the theft of historic bells from Barnet Museum.

At Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, Michael Accurso, 34, Friars Avenue, Friern Barnet, and Michael Parker, 47, Mostyn Road, Edgware, were both sentenced to six months imprisonment.

Katie Nixon, 21, of The Avenue, Friern Barnet, received a three month suspended prison sentence for her part in the crime.

CCTV evidence had shown Parker and Accurso carrying a large heavy object into a car owned by Nixon.

The three bells, which are valued at £12,000, have not been recovered. Police believe they were melted down for scrap.

A fourth accomplice Jenny Parker, 39, also of Mostyn Road, Edgware, had already been sentenced to nine months in prison at a hearing in November.

Ms Parker's flat was used to store the stolen bells, the largest of which weighed 350lbs.

Acting detective sergeant Louise Smith of Barnet CID said she hoped the sentences would resonate with the local community, as the crime had “struck at the history and culture of Barnet residents”.

The police officer added: “We fear the bells may never be recovered, but if anyone has information on their whereabouts I would urge them to contact Barnet police.”

The bells were stolen from outside Barnet Museum, Wood Street, between April 25-27, 2010.

Anyone with information can contact the police on 0300 123 1212 or phone Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.