[CPProt.net] UK: WARNING AS THIEVES TARGET CHURCHES

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

WARNING AS THIEVES TARGET CHURCHES
Published on Friday, September 16th 2005


THE idyll of rural churches is in danger of being destroyed after thieves
struck at four churches in six weeks. 

Police are not connecting the latest theft this week of a charity cash box
from St Oswald’s Church, Heavenfield, on the Military Road near Wall, to the
other incidents.

However, Rural West Inspector Dave Jewell said it is a reminder that
residents need to be vigilant to help protect their local church. 

Thieves first struck at Matfen’s Holy Trinity Church on July 30. A six-foot
eagle-shaped oak lectern, worth around £5,000, was stolen, along with two
antique wooden chests.

Then on August 5, a painting of Madonna and Child – worth more than £1,000 –
was stolen from St Giles’s Church in Chollerton. 

Finally, a £3,000 lectern was stolen in a theft from St Mungo’s Church,
Simonburn, on Thursday, August 25. 

Whereas the first three thefts were all pre-planned, police believe the
incident at Heavenfield was opportunist.

Insp. Jewell said: “This time we are not linking the theft to the others,
but they are all still an issue. 

“This is a timely reminder that residents need to take note of suspicious
vehicles and look out for their local church.”

St Oswald’s churchwarden Jill Taylor said the church will remain open for
visitors, as it is popular with walkers on nearby Hadrian’s Wall.

She said: “The cash box has been taken from a safe in the wall.

“It is awful that it has happened. It contains the donations from kind
people who come here to visit.

“They are putting in money from their own pockets, thinking it will go
towards the church and its upkeep, and then someone steals it. 

“The money is really important to the church, no matter what the amount.”

Insp Jewell is determined to retrieve the property that has been stolen, but
his scheduled appearance on Crimewatch UK last night was cancelled at the
last minute. 

He said: “I’m disappointed, but we will continue to try any method we can
think of to get back this property.

“In the meantime, I met with the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership on
Monday, and we are looking at ways to curb this problem.

“We need to strike a balance between the accessibility of rural churches and
their vulnerability.

“We are putting together crime prevention advice for rural churches on how
to avoid this happening to them in future.”

Anyone with information about the thefts should contact Northumbria Police
on (01434) 604111.

http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/