Thieves who broke into a church on Christmas Day may have been targeting its festive collection money in a “disgusting” crime, it was claimed last night.
But the raiders were foiled in their bid to steal a safe – because it was so heavy.
The thieves who got into St Martin’s Church in Caerphilly got away with two laptops. But their haul could have been even more damaging, church leaders warned yesterday.
'There was quite a mess'
The theft was reported to Gwent Police by a member of the congregation who found a safe in the grounds of the ancient church at about 1am Boxing Day.
St Martin’s Rector Father Mark Greenaway-Robbins said: “We had the annual Christmas service not long before the break-in took place, so it is possible the thieves were after the collection money from that.
“It seems they were seeking ready cash though there was quite a mess made inside the church and two laptop computers were stolen.
“One of two safes in the church was taken by the thieves but the one they took outside was quite a heavy, Victorian one and it seems it was simply left in the grounds by the thieves who presumably could take it no further.
'Police were magnificent'
“Luckily, the money inside was kept safe and important and historic church papers which were also contained inside the safe were untouched.
“And important religious artifacts inside the church were not damaged during the break-in.
“However we are asking anyone who knows anything about this break-in or who may have seen something in the early hours of Boxing Day morning or late on Christmas night to contact either us or the police.
“The police were magnificent when they arrived to deal with the break-in and they now need the help of the local community here in finding out who was behind this.
'Upsetting'
“It’s upsetting that something like this could happen at Christmas but all in all it could have been worse.
”We want to publicise this incident to send a message that people will not tolerate attacks on churches.”
Some members of the congregation gave up valuable family time to help the church.
Mike Todd, who was among those helping the clear-up efforts, said: “Thieves broke into the rear of the church then tried to take the safe. They got it to the car park and fortunately were either disturbed or gave up and left.
Police appeal
“Someone knows who did this and if you have any information, please contact Gwent police or call 101. Please share and find the people responsible for this disgusting act on Christmas Day.”
Gwent Police are investigating the break-in.
Described by Sir John Betjeman in the book Parish Churches in England and Wales as “large and dignified”, St Martin’s stands near the site of the former church, Capel Martin.
It was erected in 1878-79 during the Incumbency of the Rev Thomas Jenkins and was consecrated on December 17, 1879, by Bishop Ollivant of Llandaff.
see-http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/christmas-day-thieves-break-church-10656646
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