A vicar has condemned thieves who stole collection money from a Colchester church.

The collection box at St Barnabas Church, Abbot's Road, Old Heath, was broken open on Friday afternoon, and a small sum of money taken.

Father Richard Tillbrook said: "It's not a terribly dramatic crime, but a very sad thing to happen.

"We were having a community arts event in the hall, organised by the street wardens, and while the youngsters were having a lovely time, someone crept in and stole from the church.

"It is our policy to keep the church open for people to come to pray, light candles or just to be quiet. We will not allow this to be challenged by the behaviour of one or two disrespectful people."

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Published Tuesday, March 1, 2005

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