Thieves have stolen scaffolding from outside a Shropshire village church undergoing repairs.
Police believe villagers from Stanton Lacy, near Ludlow will have spotted the thieves dismantling the scaffolding believing they were the genuine workmen.
Police Constable Antony Baker, the investigating officer, said: “A large quantity of scaffolding together with planks, brackets and ladders, has been stolen from St Peter’s Church, Stanton Lacy.
“It had been erected to the side of the church for repairs to the roof and was disassembled between 9.30pm last Friday and 8am on Monday. It took two men two days to put up, so the thieves would have been at work for some considerable time.
“Local residents or visitors to the village may well have seen this theft happening without realising a crime was taking place. I would urge witnesses or anyone with information about those responsible, to contact Ludlow police station on 0300-333-3000.”
PC Baker added that some kind of lorry or large van would have been needed to carry the items. “The thieves would also have had some knowledge on how to dismantle the scaffolding and how long it would take. At least two people are likely to have been involved.”
Information can also be given to the anonymous Crimestoppers number, 0800-555-111.
