by Alan Quick

THE extent of the damage caused by an intruder during a break-in at Crediton Parish Church during the early hours of Thursday, June 29 has been estimated as “well into four figures”.

While it is believed nothing was taken during the break-in, considerable damage was caused including a leaded window, floorboards and internal doors, including a 500-years-old door.

A spokesman for Crediton Parish Church told the “Courier” on the day of the break-in: “At this time we are unsure if or what has been taken but a lot of cupboards and rooms were broken into and there was an attempt to gain access to another by ripping up floorboards.

“Quite a lot of damage has been caused and it will probably mean we will have to make an insurance claim.”

Police forensic staff visited the church during the morning, when it remained closed.

The spokesman said this week: “Thanks to the recently upgraded and expanded CCTV coverage at the church the Police have some good night vision images from a variety of locations in the church.

“A review of physical security measures is underway and a number of improvements have already been made.”

The spokesman added: “If anyone has any idea on who could have been responsible please contact the Police on 101 and quote crime reference CR 052255-17.”

Crediton Bowling Club was also broken-into during the same morning when windows were smashed to gain entry and bags were rifled and items taken.

The break-ins followed a break-in to a Crediton shop premises during the early hours of Tuesday morning, June 27, and break-ins at about the same time to two churches in Exeter.

MANY CHURCHES RANSACKED

The Diocese of Exeter confirmed this week that in recent weeks seven churches have been broken into and ransacked in a spate of burglaries.

The Diocese is alerting all its churches to be on their guard after the break-ins, which have occurred overnight during a two-week period.

It says that huge damage, estimated to run into tens of thousands of pounds has been done to stained glass windows and internal doors and cupboards, as the culprits seek computers and other valuables.

It said that in one church, laptops were stolen from locked cupboards while church silverware standing nearby was left untouched.

Police are investigating burglaries in Sidmouth parish church, Teignmouth St Michael, Mount Dinham Exeter, Holy Trinity Exmouth, Highweek Newton Abbot, Exeter St Thomas, Ashburton St Andrew’s as well as Holy Cross at Crediton.

Louise Bartlett, senior Church Buildings Adviser for the Diocese of Exeter, said: “In each case, the perpetrator is breaking in through stained glass windows and damaging doors to try and find valuables like computers and projectors.

“The damage done to some of our historic churches has been extensive.

“It is very upsetting that our churches, which are at the centre of their communities and serve and support so many community groups and individuals, are being targeted in this way. We are alerting all our churches to be on their guard and do all they can to remove valuables from the premises.”

If you can help the police with their inquiries into the break-ins, please telephone 101 or email: [email protected] .

You can also pass on information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.