Thornaby Methodist Church targeted again as heartless thieves steal TV, laptops and charity box

Thornaby Methodist Church, which is home to Noah’s Ark Family Centre, has suffered two break-ins in less than two weeks

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Burglary at Noah's Ark Family Centre library

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Members of a Teesside church which has been plagued by burglaries have been left “distressed” once again after suffering two break-ins in less than two weeks.

Thornaby Methodist Church, which is home to Noah’s Ark Family Centre, was broken into on Thursday night with the heartless thieves stealing a TV, seven laptops and a charity box.

They also caused extensive damage to the building - knocking down seven doors and breaking a window on the roof.

The break-in came nearly two weeks after another burglary in which thieves stole a sum of money after gaining entry through a ventilator shaft.

The long-suffering church has been a victim of break-ins in the past, with burglaries in 2012 and 2011.

Judith Powell, senior steward at the church in Stanstead Way, said: “It has been very distressing for us.

“The most recent break-in happened overnight on Thursday.

“We had to close the play centre on Friday morning while scenes of crime officers investigated.

“They have caused quite a lot of damage to all parts of the buildings. They have gained access by breaking a window in the roof and then, because a lot of the doors are locked, they have had to knock down seven doors.

“As well as the TV and the laptops, they have taken a charity collection which was for the Butterwick Hospice.”

In June 2012 the family centre had its wages and donations taken after a safe was stolen and a till was smashed during a burglary.

In August 2011 lead was stolen from the roof and the facility has also previously been vandalised.

Mrs Powell added: “It is very upsetting but the damage can be put right and we can move on from this.

“What we would really like is for the people responsible to explain why they have done this. Why they feel the need to do something like this.”

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police confirmed that they are investigating both burglaries. The first happened on March 16 and the second overnight on Thursday. Inquiries are ongoing.