AN EARLY-MORNING break-in at a church in Devon has left the parish facing a loss-and-damages claim of thousands of pounds amid a recent spate of robberies in the area.

Last week, a stained-glass window at St Andrew’s, Ashburton, was smashed when the suspects gained entry to the 900-year-old church. An oak door and antique oak chests were prised open, two television screens which had been chained to the wall were removed, and microphones were stolen.

Religious items of particular value to the parish were also taken: silver candlesticks and a silver processional cross, commissioned in memory of a former parishioner and given by their family. The parish estimates the value of the cross at £10,000.

The Team Rector of Ashburton, the Rt Revd Mark Rylands, Assistant Bishop in the diocese of Exeter, described the incident as an act of “violation and desperation”, and that, although the thieves had smashed through the vestry door, they had failed to open the safe.

“We think they used a sledgehammer and there is extensive damage. Fortunately, the Revd Andrew Johnston is a stained-glass restorer based at Exeter Cathedral. He came quickly to assess the window damage and gather up all the fragments. He is confident it can be repaired, although that alone is likely to cost thousands of pounds.”

Bishop Rylands said that, once inside, the intruders had unbolted the doors and eased open the lock to make their escape. The events were caught on CCTV, and an eyewitness report from a dog-walker had also come in, he said. “The local community has been brilliant. We’ve had so many offers of help and support.”

The incident is being investigated by Devon and Cornwall’s Heritage Crime Unit.