THIEVES who broke into two churches using bolt croppers were thwarted when they put considerable effort into cracking a safe only to find it was old and empty. They damaged doors and stole a few pounds from St Peter's Church, March, but were denied a more

THIEVES who broke into two churches using bolt croppers were thwarted when they put considerable effort into cracking a safe only to find it was old and empty.They damaged doors and stole a few pounds from St Peter's Church, March, but were denied a more lucrative haul.Rector, the Rev Anthony Chandler, said: "They carried out a thorough search of all the places where they thought they might find money but we are very security conscious and money is banked two or three times a week so there is never anything much here."The thieves damaged the south door and the clergy vestry door and then they used bolt croppers to take a few pounds from the votive candles' box."The break-in last Thursday between 11.30am and 4.45pm was the second to occur in March with St Wendreda's in Church Street, burgled last Tuesday at 11.30am and the cash from five collection boxes stolen.Sgt Robin Cawston, of March Police, said: "I would like to hear from anyone who may know anything about either of these burglaries. Fortunately, both churches have good security and do not keep large quantities of cash on the premises, so the financial loss was minimal."However, this is a distressing crime, particularly for worshippers at the churches."We need to find those responsible and need your information to help us."If you saw anything suspicious during the times the break-ins took place, or have any other information that could help our inquiries, please call me."CONTACT: Sgt Cawston on 0845 456 4564 or call CrimeStoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.