Windows broken and cash stolen after damage at three churches in Chard

Rev Georgina Vye noticed damage worth thousand of pounds was caused to the stained-glass windows of St Mary’s Church on Sunday morning (December 31).

The Methodist Church and the Church of the Good Shepherd were damaged too in the same week.

Rev Vye said repairing the broken windows and panes at St Mary's Church would cost between £15,000/£20,000.

Another photo showing the damaged caused to St Mary's Church (Image: St Mary's Church)

She also added she does not know whether someone entered the church and that “nothing has been taken that we could see”.

Avon and Somerset Police said cash was stolen from the Church of the Good Shepherd in Furnham Road, and two windows were smashed at the Methodist Church on Fore Street.

Talking about the damage at St Mary’s Church, the Rev said: “We found out on Sunday (December 31) so it probably happened on Saturday (December 30).

“They smashed a window that gives access to the church, and they smashed another window too.

“Whether they got in or not who knows. Nothing has been taken that we could see, but the damage was considerable.

“It will cost quite a lot of money to put it right, around £15,000/£20,000.

“To go in on New Year’s Eve for a service and find out the windows were smashed it’s not nice at all.

“It was a really good Christmas. A lot of people came back to church after Covid so it’s sad.”

A broken window at St Mary's Church (Image: St Mary's Church)

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson said: “Police are appealing for witnesses and information after damage at three churches in Chard between Wednesday 27 December and Sunday 31 December.

“Overnight Wednesday 27 to Thursday 28 December a window was smashed at the Church of the Good Shepherd in Furnham Road, and cash was stolen from the donation box.

“Two windows were damaged at Chard Methodist Church in Fore Street. One was noticed on 28 December and the second was found damaged the following day.

“A stained-glass window was smashed at St Mary’s Church, Church Street, overnight Saturday 30 to Sunday 31 December, after protective mesh was prised away.

“If you saw anyone acting suspiciously at any of these churches, or have any information, CCTV or dashcam footage which could help to identify those responsible, please call 101 and give the reference 5223316169 (Church of the Good Shepherd); 5223317092 (Methodist Church) or 5223318364 (St Mary's).

“Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.”