Rallying round after theft raid
MEMBERS OVERWHELMED BY PEOPLE’S GENEROSITY FOLLOWING BREAK-IN
A community has rallied round after burglars raided their local church.
The break in, at the Independent Methodist Church, in North Road, Boldon Colliery, saw charity cash raised by children stolen along with much-needed equipment.
The burglary was discovered by a group leader, who found the place had been ransacked, property from a number of groups who use the centre taken and knives from the kitchen dumped on the floor.
But people in Boldon Colliery have dug deep to help the church – known locally as The Chapel – continue its role in the community.
Help has come in the form of a string of donations to pay for damage and improve security.
A crowdfunding page has been created by local funeral director Glen Miller.
Mr Miller said: “People in the area have really taken this personally. It is such a big part of their community.
“The fundraising has been going really well. The People’s Angels have donated £500, and people have stopped me in the street to hand over cash.”
The raid came at a time when the church was expanding – renovating some former stables to create more space for its after school club and other groups.
Iris Ogilvie, church treasurer said: “This church has been here since 1885 and it is the first time in its history it has been broken into.
“The children have a big tub they had been saving their pennies in. It was to raise money for children in Syria. They have destroyed that and taken the money.”
Police say the break-in happened between 7.45pm on Sunday and 7.15am on Monday.