POLICE have issued an appeal after a spate of church burglaries in the Tetbury and Sapperton area.

Over the last few weeks, St John the Baptist Church in Kingscote, St Bartholomew's Church in Newington Bagpath, St Kenelm's Church in Sapperton have all been targeted.

Gloucestershire Police said in a new community alert believe the incidents may be connected and have asked members of the public to help.

Sgt Garrett Gloyn said: “I am messaging to highlight a relatively recent group of crimes that may be connected. 

“In the last four weeks three rural churches in the south of the Cotswold district have been burgled. 

“It would be fantastic if a detail mentioned below prompted you to recall a piece of information that might help us to identify an offender. 

“More realistically, my hope is that those members who live in our rural villages pay closer attention to the church buildings near their homes and look out for suspicious activity in their immediate vicinity.”

St John the Baptist Church, Kingscote 

It comes after St John the Baptist Church in Kingscote was burgled overnight on Thursday, June 20.

Officers say a church window was broken, a safe was stolen and thieves also forced entry to a collection box. 

In addition, a grinder was used to remove ecclesiastical silver.

Anyone with information should contact police quoting 24529/24.

St Bartholomew's Church, Newington Bagpath

Meanwhile, burglars broke into St Bartholomew's Church in Newington Bagpath by cutting a padlock. 

Officers say although nothing was stolen from within the church, approximately 500 Cotswold stone tiles were stolen from the roof.

Anyone with information should contact police quoting 28034/24.

St Kenelm's Church, Sapperton 

As well as this, St Kenelm's Church in Sapperton was also targeted by burglars. 

Offenders broke a lock and surrounding wood panelling of the church safe. 

However, burglars were unable to remove the safe or its contents, police say.

The damage was discovered on Sunday, July 21. 

Anyone with information should contact police quoting 29297/24.

Sgt Gloyn added: “If you see something suspicious in your town or village then you can report it here - tinyurl.com/3w7ufw9k 

“Clearly if that suspicious activity is going on and you believe that a crime is being committed then please call 999.

“Thank you for your help.”