Team at Whitnash church overwhelmed by community's support after break-in which resulted in 'extensive damage'
The team at a church in Whitnash have said they are overwhelmed by the support the community has shown them after the church was broken into and damaged.
St Margaret’s Church in Church Lane was broken into on Wednesday evening (July 15).
The church team said the incident had left “extensive damage throughout the building”, with windows smashed and the offices and vestry “ransacked”.
They also said that “while no valuables were taken, a substantial amount of cash was stolen, including donations that had been generously given by our parishioners.”
Speaking on the morning after the break-in, Reverend Ben Cook, said: “We are deeply saddened and shocked by what has happened and are currently awaiting the arrival of the police forensic team as they begin their investigation.
“We would like to encourage everyone in our parish and wider community to remain vigilant. Sadly, this serves as a reminder that there are people willing to cause damage and commit theft, even in places that exist to serve others.
“As a church, we follow Jesus and his example to love one another, even our enemies, therefore we are choosing to pray for those responsible. We pray that they have come to no harm, and that, in time, they may find healing, experience genuine regret for what they have done, and come to repentance.”
Following this, Revd Cook said that both he and the church team have been overwhelmed by the community’s support show after they shared the news of the break-in – with some people also contacting them about making donations towards the church’s losses and damages.
Revd Cook said: “Thank you so much to all of your messages of support. We are overwhelmed.
“I have received some messages asking about donations towards losses.
“We are confident that our insurance claim will cover the damage, however the police have encouraged us to install CCTV and change our locks, as well as other wise security measures.
“Therefore, if anyone would like to contribute to the costs of this equipment and its installation I have created a page on our church website here: https://www.smcw.org/Groups/466006/CCTV_appeal.aspx
“Thank you.”
Any information about the incident can be reported to Warwickshire Police at: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ro/report/