Petty vandalism in St. Mary’s Church

In recent weeks we have experienced damage to the Church by a couple of young girls sometimes accompanied by a young lad who have been making a mess of things in the church building.  Racing around the church with one of them in the church’s wheelchair, pulling down a heavy velvet curtain over the door and leaving the wheelchair at the Red Lion.

Whilst the things they do are more of an irritation – opening and emptying out first aid kits, opening sealed refreshment boxes, spilling out sugars and putting hazard tape on tables and pews which removes the varnish and the latest which is all three signing up on a cake rota – would that they would then produce the cakes!  These acts of vandalism usually happen after school or at a weekend when the church building is not busy and they are less  likely to be disturbed.

We have reported this to the Police but are anxious that our young perpetrators don’t end up with a criminal record.  The schools will also be advised although we do recognise that they are not responsible for children’s activities outside school premises but they could help us to identify these youngsters and their names will be passed forward.

We don’t expect children of this age to have an understanding of appropriate behaviour in a sacred space but we are calling on parents to please have a talk to their youngsters before further damage is incurred.

Thank you for your help.  (Churchwarden! St. Mary’s Church)