Vicar talks of dismay following church break-in

It was not a happy new year for the congregation of St Catherine’s Church, Wittenham Avenue, Tilehurst, after its church was the target of burglars.
The thieves forced entry through the front door of the church sometime between 2pm on December 30 and 10.30am on December 31, 2012.
Once inside, the thieves searched the church and tried unsuccessfully to force open a large heavy duty safe with a drill.
However, they did make off with some petty cash and a packet of mince pies left over from Christmas.
The Rev Denis Smith said: “One of our members discovered we had been broken into when they arrived at the church. They tried to get into a safe with a screwdriver or drill, but they didn’t have any luck because it’s a very secure safe. They actually only managed to steal a packet of mince pies and some cash used by the church’s club for the elderly.
“It’s very distressing, particularly for our older members who rightly treasure the church.
“We hope the offenders enjoyed the mince pies,” Mr Smith added.
Thames Valley Police is also investigating an attempted burglary at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Manor Road, Goring. The theft also took place some time between December 30 and December 31. Police are appealing for anybody who has information about these incidents to come forward.
Call the Thames Valley Police 24-hour non-emergency single number 101 and ask to speak to PC Daniel Hatfield in relation to the burglary in Tilehurst or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at