Church collection box ripped out of wall

A collection box has been forcibly removed from a stone wall outside a historic church in Devon.

The incident occurred at St Werburgh Church, a Grade I listed building about 600 years old perched above Wembury Beach in Devon.

According to church officials, the collection box, used to receive donations for parking, was ripped out between Sunday and Monday, causing damage to the ancient stonework.

It is believed between £70 and £100 was inside the box at the time of the theft.

This marks the second time in 12 months that the church has been targeted.

On the previous occasion, thieves broke into the box but left it behind. This time the entire box was stolen.

"We feel quite upset about it," said churchwarden Sue Lord.

"Every penny that the church can get means a lot to us.

"Churches are struggling, so any money is quite important to us."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Devon and Cornwall Police.

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