Volunteers devastated as £4.5k church tools stolen in raid
Thieves have stolen thousands of pounds worth of gardening equipment being used to overhaul a churchyard with war graves and the resting place of a Baggies legend.
Volunteers at All Saints Church, in West Bromwich, said today they were devastated by the theft
It is believed gas cutting tools was used to break into the metal shed before a lawnmower, four hedge trimmers and a generator were taken, believed to be worth £4,500.
Police have launched an investigation into the burglary which is thought to have taken placed between 12.30am and 1.15am on Tuesday.
All the equipment stolen was bought from donations by the public, which The Friends of All Saints Graveyard rely on to operate.
A campaign has been launched seeking money to replace the stolen equipment, which was used to help the major clear up of the graveyard that started around 18 months ago. More than 14 graves from soldiers who died in the First and Second World War feature at the site. Former West Brom player and chairman Billy Bassett is also buried at the church yard at the junction of Newton Road and All Saints Way.
Work
"It is devastating," said Margaret Gill, a volunteer at the group. "I got so emotional when I found out about it. If you would have came to the graveyard 18 months ago there would be trees and bushes on all the graves.
"The work we have done is to tidy up the graveyard and we have planted about 1,500 bulbs," she added.
"We would need the hedge trimmers in March as the grass starts growing longer quicker and our work doesn't really stop until September," she added.
The equipment they use for the maintenance work is kept in a metal shed in the grounds, which the thieves have broken into. Campaigners believe the burglary was planned due to the strength of the padlock broken on the door of the shed – which was also donated to the group.
Burn marks were clearly visible on the remains of the lock that had been cut off the door. The thieves carried off the stolen equipment using the group's wheelbarrow, which they then dumped in the grounds.
Further culprits are thought to have been waiting in a van on the church's car park.
CCTV footage shows what is thought to be a getaway vehicle flashing its headlights as a warning around the same time.
Campaigners are asking anyone who can donate money or help out to get in touch by calling group secretary Jean Fletcher on 07736 379660. Anyone with information about the theft should call police on 101.
