Thieves target church artefacts

Thieves broke into three churches in Warwickshire within hours of each other in raids which police believe could be linked to rising metal prices.

Intruders smashed a window to St Cuthbert's Church, Shustoke, Coleshill, on Tuesday and took an altar cross, candlesticks and a jug.

A cross and vases were taken from both St John the Baptist Church, Lea Marston and St Leonard's Church, Over Whitacre.

Police believe the incidents are linked and say the items are very distinctive.

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said: "There are obvious similarities between the three incidents and we would like to hear from anyone who may have seen anyone acting suspiciously, or vehicles parked, near any of the three churches.

"The items which have been stolen are quite distinctive and we would also like to hear from anyone who is aware of these items being offered for sale."

Officers have urged anyone with information about the thefts to contact them.