Thieves target church near Shrewsbury
A church near Shrewsbury has reduced its opening hours after a toilet was broken into.
The break-in is the latest of three incidents at St Michael's Church in Ford over the last couple of months.
PCSO Joe Bradley said money had already been stolen from the collection a number of times and the organ had been damaged.
The church has now taken the decision to only open to the public for worship and planned services while investigations continue.
PCSO Bradley said: "The vicar didn't want to lock it up but felt like she had to because of what's been happening.
"Most recently the lock on the toilet, which is on the side of the church, has been broken off and now the church has to find the money to replace it."
CCTV will be installed in the coming weeks to prevent further incidents.
A spokesman for Hereford Diocese, to which the church belongs, said: “Ford church has been the subject of three low-level incidents over the last couple of months whilst the church was open for visitors.
"Ordinarily the church would be open on Wednesdays following an early morning service and at weekends.
"The church remains open for worship and for any planned services, outside of these times it has been temporarily closed whilst police enquiries are carried out.
"Those responsible for the damage are in our prayers and we hope they will come to understand the sacredness of the space.”
