A LEES Church, targeted by thieves for a second time in 12 months, is set to install CCTV cameras.
And Vicar, the Reverend Edith Disley, has been heartened by the community response to the latest break-in at St Thomas the Apostle Church, Leesfield.
Police are still hunting the intruders who raided the Church on West Street hours before the annual Remembrance Sunday service on November 12.
A collection box for the Poppy Appeal and gifts for Christmas Fair stalls were among items stolen in the break-in.
It is estimated around £100 in cash was taken from the Poppy Appeal plus money raised by the sale of candles and church magazine.
“We had a similar incident about the same time last year when a Christmas hamper was stolen,” said Reverend Disley.
“But I think people have been shocked this time that anyone should steal the Poppy Appeal money.
“We have a number of donations which have come to around £600 because of what’s happened.
“Fortunately, nothing major was taken and we don’t usually leave any money in the church.”
It is understood the culprit gained entry through a vestry window at the Grade II listed building.
“The cost of replacing the window and repairing the damage also caused expense we could have done without,” added Reverend Disley who was on Sabbatical at the time of the burglary.
“Thankfully, we are now just a few weeks away from getting CCTV installed to help prevent further incidents like this in the future.”
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances around this incident.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident number 717 of 12/11/17.
