Clock stolen from church (From Stroud News and Journal)

Clock stolen from church

THIEVES abused the open-door policy of a Stroud church to steal an antique clock from its historic bell-tower in a brazen raid.

The unknown offenders took the clock, estimated to be worth more than £300, from its spot in the bell tower of St Lawrence's Church where it had hung for decades.

The theft, which was discovered on the evening of Wednesday, October 27, is the second to occur in recent weeks after a wheelchair used by the church to help elderly parishioners was also stolen.

"This kind of petty theft is annoying," said Father Barry Coker, Canon at St Lawrence's Church. "We try to keep the church open because it is important to keep that space open in the centre of the town.

"We feel quite strongly that a church should not have its doors shut but this means we do take risks."

The tower doors are usually off limits but on this occasion the door was accidentally left unlocked. Tower captain Laurence Hitchins said: "It is just unfortunate - it has probably been there for 50 years. They must have got in here and thought 'that's worth a few quid'."

Thought to be around 100 years old, the clock measured 12 inches in diameter and was taken at some time between 10am on Monday, October 25 and 7.30pm on Wednesday, October 27. Anyone who has any information on the theft should call Gloucestershire police on 0845 090 1234.

Anyone who has an old wheelchair they could donate to replace the one that was stolen can call Father Barry Coker on 01453 764555.