‘Lots of damage’ in church break-in

●● Newchurch Methodist Church and some of the damage CALLOUS thieves smashed windows and doors during a break-in at a Methodist church.

Offenders broke into Newchurch Methodist Church in Waterfoot some time between July 30 and August 2, after smashing through a double-glazed window to gain entry.

The break-in at the 211-year-old church, on Turnpike, was discovered and reported to the police on the morning of Wednesday, August 2.

The thieves stole a tent and equipment belonging to a Guides group, Dyson and Henry vacuum cleaners and around £30 in cash.

But they also caused significant damage to the interior of the church during the break-in.

Richie Watts, who is a member of the congregation at the church and involved in the property committee, inspected the damage and called the police.

He said: “There was lots of damage. There were cabinets that were locked and they bent up the cabinets to see what was inside them. We reckon they were after money.

“I have secured all the windows within the church, I have boarded them up to make them safe while we decide what we are going to do.

“We’ve not had a break-in like this for a long, long time. It is upsetting, but I just feel sorry for them, they are obviously really desperate to do something like this.”

A spokesperson for Lancashire police said: “The church was broken into sometime since Sunday, the double glazed window was smashed - that’s how they have got inside. They have smashed various doors and broke into cabinets. Enquiries are ongoing.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting log number EF1708704.