LAWN mowers, fire extinguishers and food are among items that have been stolen from Herefordshire churches in the past year.

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to West Mercia Police reveals 21 reports of theft were reported from the county’s places of worship between November 1, 2013, and November 1 this year.

There were five instances of power tools or lawnmowers going missing and, on four occasions, coins or notes had been taken.

Hereford Diocese says the figures aren’t high but advises its places of worship to take security seriously.

“Our problem is often the damage done by people trying to get in,” said Anni Holden, the Diocese’s director of communications.

“We do have a problem sometimes in that some thefts are not reported.

“So we are encouraging all churches to report any theft and to take security seriously.”

Mrs Holden said that despite the number of thefts being relatively low, the Diocese would never consider closing churches should the number increase.

“The vast majority of our churches are open during the day. A locked church is a contradiction,” she said.

Mrs Holden said one theft, from Lyde Church, saw a stained glass window smashed to gain entry, before offenders merely stole biscuits.

The FOI was provided following a request to West Mercia Police by The Hereford Times.