‘Overwhelming’ response after church burgled at Christmas
A CYNON Valley church said it was “overwhelmed” by the community’s response after thousands of pounds were raised following a Christmas Day burglary.
Electrical equipment and silverware worth at least £20,000 was stolen from Lleurwg’s Church in Hirwaun following its midnight mass service on Christmas Eve.
But within five days, more than £1,000 had been raised on a JustGiving page set up to help cover the costs, with another £1,000 donated directly to the church.
By this week, a total of almost £2,500 has been donated following an initial target of just £150 – to pay the excess on the church’s insurance claim.
Priest-in-charge Rev Ceirion Rees, who discovered the break-in, said he was “overwhelmed” by the response from the community.
He explained: “I have always known that we have a very strong community here in Hirwaun, but you don’t realise how much you are loved until something like this happens.
“People were shocked and outraged at the breakin and have shown great concern and love for the church. I have had many messages of support – people offering not just money, but practical help and laptops to replace what was stolen. It has been incredibly heartening.
“We are very grateful to Karen Morgan for setting up the JustGiving page and to all those who have donated. We now have enough money to cover the excess on the insurance and are looking at how we can invest the rest in a project to benefit the whole community.”
South Wales Police believe the incident happened between the end of the Christmas Eve service at around 1.30am and 9.40am on Christmas Day.
Among the property stolen were a chalice and plate, a brass cross, two silver vases and a silver cross, a brass bell, a sound system and a Lenovo laptop and bag.
Rev Rees added: “On Christmas Day we were shocked and angry at first but we then gained a sense of perspective. People can steal things which we use or which have sentimental value, but they can’t take the heart out of the church. We carried on our service and prayed for those who had been driven to steal from us, for whatever reason.”
The page had been set up by local councillor Karen Morgan, who said: “I have been so touched by the Rev Cei Rees’ reaction to this crime, but also by the reaction of members of the community who wish to make donations to go towards replacing the stolen items.”
South Wales Police sergeant, Mike Rudall, said: “The investigation into this burglary is progressing with several lines of enquiry.
“Police ask that anyone offered any items for sale which they believe may be stolen to report it to the police immediately by calling 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111, quoting reference 1700501118.
To donate to the JustGiving page, visit: www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/ churchburglary.