Human trafficking fears as Burntwood churches targeted by thieves
Two churches in Burntwood have been targeted by thieves believed to be on the hunt for blank marriage certificates to use in human trafficking.
The gangs broke into Christ Church in Church Road and St Joseph's on Cannock Road but left empty-handed after failing to gain access to the locked safes where the blank documents are stored.
These certificates can be sold and used to create fake identities for illegal immigrants and crooks desperate to enter the UK.
Father Paul Haines from St Joseph's Roman Catholic Church said his pet dog had disturbed the gang after they broke in on February 9.
A spokesman for the church added: "It's horrible. The safe is in the room they were trying to enter.
"Thankfully the window is double-glazed and they only managed to smash the outer panel."
Raiders smashed stained glass windows the following night at the neighbouring Anglican Christ Church and ransacked cupboards.
They even targeted the vicarage and ignored valuables but did not find the certificates after being disturbed in the grounds at 2am.
Reverend Marg Mattocks said: "The church has things that are expensive but they were after something very specific and I think that was the wedding certificates.
"Every drawer and cupboard was searched but nothing was taken, despite items of obvious value being on display. If it were opportunist thieves, they would have taken our valuables. If it were children, they would have taken stuff like sweets and biscuits.
"But nothing was removed. They couldn't find what they were looking for."
Staffordshire Police is now investigating the attacks and any links to trafficking gangs – part of a crime industry that is second only to drugs.
A force spokesman said: "Between 4pm on Saturday, February 9 and 8am on Sunday, February 10, offenders smashed two stained glass windows at Christ Church on Church Road, Burntwood. Once inside, the offenders searched the premises but it is believed no items were stolen on this occasion.
"A pair of internal double wooden doors was also damaged during the incident. Anyone with information, or who saw or heard suspicious activity at Christ Church, is asked to contact Pc Mark Booth at Staffordshire Police."
It is estimated the total revenue generated by human trafficking each year has been estimated at more than £40 billion.
Worldwide it is thought that 20 per cent of all trafficking victims are children – rising to more than 90per cent in parts of Africa and Asia.
