CHURCH officials have been left dismayed after religious items were stolen from two of the smallest churches in Lincolnshire just days before Easter.
Thieves have stolen a cross and the top part of a lectern from St Lucia’s, Dembleby; and candlesticks and a brass plate have been stolen from St Andrew’s, Scott Willoughby.
An appeal has been launched for anyone who has seen the items to come forward.
The churches both belong to the South Lafford Benefice. Their Rector, the Revd Nick Munday, said: “It’s devastating for the community, as they identify with the church. I think they have got it for scrap. They are all brass items.
“It’s a shame that they steal anything, but it’s a shame they desecrate a church. We want to keep the churches open so people can pray and look at the history. It will be a shame if we have to lock them up. They are supposed to be open for everybody.
“It’s awful this has happened so close to Easter.”
Mr Munday said he believed that the items were one or two generations old.
A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said that the burglaries had happened between 1 p.m. and 1.30 p.m. on 13 March.
Anyone who has information about the crime should telephone the police on 101, and quote incident number 18000115588, or email force.control@lincs.pnn.police.uk.
