Basingstoke churches targeted across three days of break-ins
Thieves have targeted three churches in Basingstoke in three days.
A safe containing hundreds of pounds of charity donations, silverware, and marriage certificates was stolen from St Gabriel's in Popley.
There was an attempted break-in at nearby St Bede, and a safe was taken from Christ Church at Chineham.
The vicar of St Gabriel's believes the raids had been planned and carried out by a large gang.
He says: "It's always disturbing when places of any faith are targeted in this manner. It's particularly devastating for our community because St Gabriel's is such a hub and a hive of community activity. We have such a wide variety of groups here of all ages and all activities. So most of them are really shocked and upset."
Church lead thefts in the Thames Valley an "epidemic"
Thousands raised to replace stolen lead from church tower
The raids on the three churches were carried out overnight between 13-15th June.
The safe at St Gabriel's had been taken during the break-in.
The thieves used an angle grinder to cut their way into the safe, however the sparks set fire to the safe's contents and destroyed everything.
Watch Richard Jones' report below