Police will 'maximise forensic opportunities' after Lancaster church raids

Sgt Lindsay Brown, from Lancashire Constabulary, said that the 'deplorable' raids on three churches - one which caused a lot of damage - are likely linked, and that the offenders are taking advantage of lockdown.

He also warned home-owners in the Scotforth and Greaves area of the city to be vigilant after a spate of bike and gardening equipment thefts.

Burglaries at three churches in Lancaster and Halton were reported to police on February 3.

Father's House Elim Church in Owen Road, St Wilfrid's Church in Church Brow, Halton, and the United Reformed Church in High Road, Halton were targeted, likely in the same night.

You can read more details HERE.At Father's House Church, damage was caused to the building, including flooding in the kitchen after taps were deliberately left running, food pulled from the fridge which had to be thrown away, and an electric hob was left switched on.

The food was meant to feed 200 people in need the next day.Sgt Brown said: "It is likely that they are linked and the offenders are taking advantage of lockdown in that they think there’ll be less use of the buildings.

"However, many churches in the district are very busy supporting vulnerable groups and these crimes apart from being deplorable, disrupt the distribution of support to the community.

"The investigation will focus on maximising forensic opportunities at the scene of these crimes to establish the identification of the offenders.

"In the meantime we would appeal for any witnesses to come forward and tell us what they know on 101.

"We are also reaching out to all faiths to review their security arrangements to prevent further crimes."

He added: "We are seeing an increase in garage and shed breaks in the Scotforth and Greaves area of south Lancaster.

"Thieves are targeting bikes and gardening equipment.

"It could be that residents haven’t checked these places recently due the inclement weather and lockdown, so please do check your premises.

"Officers will be targeting the area during the evenings and overnight."