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Cash stolen from church donation boxes

POLICE have warned clergy and church wardens to be extra vigilant after cash was stolen from donation boxes.

It is thought hundreds of pounds were taken from the boxes at Dorchester Abbey and St Agatha’s Church, Brightwell-cum-Sotwell. The cash was stolen from Dorchester at 3.30pm on 14 July. Despite being caught on CCTV, the offender has not been identified. The theft from St Agatha’s happened between 6 and 12 July.  Similar incidents have also been reported at Aldworth and Checkendon.

Malcolm Wills, crime reduction adviser for Thames Valley Police said: ‘At St Agatha’s the box was broken and we think the thief has been unable to put it back together. The suggestion is the offender super glued it, and staff realised what had happened when they found out they couldn’t open it.’

Mr Wills said that while it was important churches were open for visitors, staff should take a few precautions to guard against similar thefts. He said: ‘These boxes should be checked on a regular basis and emptied each night. I would advise people not to leave too much cash in them at any one time.’

The Revd Canon Sue Booys, Dorchester Rector, said: ‘The church is there for the community. We desperately want to keep our church buildings open, so I would ask everyone who visits their church to be vigilant.’