POLICE have issued an appeal after a historic church was recently targeted by thieves. 

St John the Baptist Church in Kingscote was broken into by offenders who stole a quantity of ecclesiastical silverware and a safe.

Thieves smashed a leaded window to gain entry to the building. 

Officers say they believe the incident took place between 7pm on Thursday, June 20 and 9am on Friday, June 21.

A police spokesperson said: “Enquiries are ongoing.

“Officers from the Rural, Wildlife and Heritage Crime Team would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area or who may have any relevant dashcam or doorbell footage.”

Anyone with information should contact police quoting incident 139 of June 21 here  tinyurl.com/5hfhfdys

The historic church in Kingscote dates back to the 13th century.

The site is also where local vaccine hero Dr Edward Jenner married Catharine Kingscote in 1788.