Bedfordshire churches targeted by thugs who took money and drank communal wine

Four churches in the county have been targeted by burglars in the space of a week.

Churches in Odell, Turvey, Souldrop and Flitton were targeted between March 5 and March 12.

Between 5pm on March 5 and 8am on March 8, offenders gained access to All Saints Church in Sharnbrook Road in Souldrop by breaking a window.

A safe which contained money and silverware was taken. The crime reference number for this incident is JH/9683/2017.

Between 3pm on March 6 and 8.45am on March 7, the church in the High Street in Turvey was targeted.

Offenders took approximately £300 and a silver plate, and drank a quantity of the church’s communal wine.

The crime reference number for this incident is JH/9449/2017.

Between 8pm on March 7 and 8am on March 8, burglars targeted All Saints Church in Church Lane, Odell, stealing a safe which contained records of births, marriages and deaths and a silver plate used for collections.

The crime reference number for this incident is JH/9582/2017.

Between 5pm on March 11 March 12, St John the Baptist Church in Brook Lane, Flitton, was targeted.

The offenders gained access to the church by damaging a door and stole a safe from the vestry. The crime reference number for this incident is JD/10276/2017.

PC Richard Marshall, investigating, said: “We understand that burglary is distressing for victims, and those connected with these churches are no exception.

“We are keen to hear from anyone who has any information that could lead us to the people responsible for these incidents.

“If you have recently been offered any silverware for sale and you’re unsure of its origin, please report it to us.

“There may also be people out there who know who is responsible for these incidents – if that’s you, I would urge you to come forward with any information.

“I would also encourage people in rural areas to remain vigilant, both around communal buildings and their own homes.

“Please keep an eye on neighbouring properties, especially if you know your neighbours are away.”

Anyone with any information about any of the incidents is asked to call PC Marshall on 101 quoting the crime reference number relating to the incident.