Members of a historic church have been left reeling after thieves smashed through a stained glass window and stole from the building for the second time in as many weeks.
Counting the cost - the Rev David Parrott surveys the window that was smashed during the break-ins over the festive period Picture: MAXINE CLARKE
The huge window on the eastern side of the Holy Trinity Church in Hockley Road, Rayleigh, now has two broken panels following two separate break-ins.
The first happened overnight on Boxing Day, when £1,000 in cash was taken from a Christmas collection, and sound equipment was stolen in the second incident, which happened on New Year's Eve.
Church officials are now getting estimates for the cost of repairing the window, which dates from the 1920's and commemorates the end of World War One.
Sylvia Briggs, one of the church's wardens, said: "We don't yet know what the cost is, but it will be very expensive as the stained glass craftsmen are few and far between and the work is not cheap."
Anyone with information about either of the incidents at the church should contact Rayleigh Police on 01268 775533.
Published Wednesday January 7, 2004
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