Lead stolen from St John the Evangelist, West Meon (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Lead stolen from St John the Evangelist, West Meon

2:51pm Wednesday 17th March 2010 in

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THIEVES have raided a Meon Valley church just weeks after a similar burglary nearby.

They broke in through a stained glass window at the rear of St John the Evangelist in West Meon and stole £2,000 worth of lead.

The incident, which happened overnight on March 12-13, comes weeks after valuable silverware was pinched from Blessed Mary of Upham Church.

PC Richard Jones, of Hampshire Police, said: "The church was obviously targeted because of the ongoing repairs to the roof.

"This is a despicable crime which impacts heavily on the local community.

"Due to the weight of the stolen lead, it is highly likely that the suspects would have used a vehicle in the commission of this crime.

"Did you see or hear anyone suspicious in the area at the time? Or did you see any vehicles that seemed suspicious at any time overnight near the church?"

Anyone with information should contact Winchester police station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.