WORSHIPPERS have been given advice about keeping their churches secure after a series of break-ins.

Burglars smashed their way into St Andrew’s Church in Hayling Island on Wednesday (May 7) night, and took Communion chalices, money, a TV and took a safe that had been fastened to the wall.

There have been three other incidents this week where nearby churches have been broken into, but little or nothing taken. The police have been informed about what appears to be a pattern of attempted burglaries.

The first incident was at Holy Trinity Church, Blendworth, during the day on Bank Holiday Monday (May 5). The burglars turned off the electrics in an attempt to disable the burglar alarm before using a crowbar or similar implement to force their way through a back door.

They forced open the outer door and an inner door, causing damage to the doors and surrounding stonework, before getting into the vestry. Although they appeared to have searched the vestry, they escaped only with some keys.

The following evening (Tues 6) there was another attempt to break in to Holy Trinity Church. This time the back door had been secured with a large wooden strut and they were unable to get in, although more damage was caused.

On Monday night (May 5), there was an attempted break-in at All Saints Church, East Meon. They gained access via the church hall and tried to open the vestry door using a crowbar or something similar, but failed. Nothing was taken, but plenty of damage was caused.

Then on Wednesday night (May 7), burglars forced their way into St Andrew’s, Hayling Island, gaining access to the vestry and kitchen.

Clergy and churchwardens across Portsmouth’s Church of England diocese have been advised to review the security arrangements on their church buildings, to warn those who live near their churches about the incidents, and to put up notices – if they aren’t already there – warning potential burglars that valuables aren’t kept in the church. Diocesan officials are also liaising with the police about the pattern of break-ins that has emerged.

The Archdeacon of Portsdown, which covers Portsmouth and Havant, the Ven Joanne Grenfell, said: “We have made all our parishes aware of these break-ins and suggested some extra security measures they may wish to take. It is sad that churches appear to be a target for these break-ins. Most churches don’t have anything particularly valuable or that it would be worth stealing. So these people are going to great lengths to get into the building for little reason.

“Of course the damage caused is upsetting for those who worship in our churches and live locally. We’re doing all we can to help them as they think about insurance and repairs, and we’re praying for all those involved.”