Police uncovered 30 paintings, mostly depicting Jesus, stuffed into the property alongside several crucifixes and busts. Officers had spent a month trawling CCTV footage as part of their investigation into the robbery.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, chief superintendent Andy Southcott, of Cheshire constabulary, said: "While the number of heritage crimes committed in Cheshire is very low, it can have a high impact on the community.
"It can deprive people from viewing important paintings and also means they are lost to future generations. It is something Cheshire police take very seriously."
Chris Jones, head constable and dean's PA at the cathedral, said: "The piece was an important addition to the chapel of St Anselm and helped to enhance the experience of our visitors and our worshippers.
"We would like to thank the Cheshire Constabulary team for all their hard work on the case and for their ongoing support in the fight against heritage crime."
Four men and a woman, aged between 31 and 59, were arrested at the Crewe property on suspicion of theft.