Thieves smash Mundesley church window

Thieves who smashed their way into a church through a stained-glass window and stole a processional cross and brass candlesticks have been described as 'mindless'.

The burglary happened at All Saints' Church at Mundesley between 7pm on Maundy Thursday, April 1, and 8.15am on Good Friday.

After smashing through a stained-glass window into a vestry at the back of the church, the thieves made their way into an adjoining room and carried out what police described as an 'untidy search'.

Two ornamental brass candlesticks, used on the high alter for most of the church's services, a large processional cross were taken, and an empty red storage box.

Floodlighting outside the church was also damaged to allow the thieves to work under the cover of darkness.

Church reader Mike Mardon discovered the break in. He said: 'We think they tried to move a very heavy chest and tried to get into it - there were keys scattered everywhere.

'There was a red box full of cups for coffees after services. They were scattered over the floor as well - we think they used that to carry them out.'

Mr Mardon said the cross, which was about 1.5ft tall, was 'irreplaceable' having been giving to the church by a family in memory of a loved one.

It is thought the cost of repairing the window and replacing the items stolen will run into the thousands.

Mr Mardon said: 'We have got an appeal for �40,000 for work on the organ. We could do without this sort of thing. It's mindless.'

The church, which had insurance, has echoed appeals from the police for witnesses.

The reader added: 'There's always somebody about in villages, especially Mundesley. I am sure somebody must have seen something - or I hope they did.'

A glazier was due to visit the church on Friday to assess the damage to the window.

Anyone with information should contact Norfolk police on 0845 456 4567.