Heartless thieves smash window at Coventry Cathedral before stealing charity tin
Heartless thieves have smashed a historic window at a West Midlands cathedral before stealing a charity collection tin.
The two thieves, who were caught on CCTV, have been described as "despicable" by the officer investigating the theft at Coventry Cathedral.
The pair struck at the heritage site at around 11.10pm on January 23, and shattered a glass etching by the main entrance of the cathedral before forcing their way inside.
They dragged a large charity box outside, where they emptied the cash before making off in a Nissan Almera.
WATCH: Thieves target Coventry Cathedral
Police say it is not clear how much how much money the thieves escaped with, but the broken window – part of the iconic West Screen – has been described as "priceless and irreplaceable".
The etched glass artwork is one of 66 produced by artist John Hutton, who passed away in 1978. The 66 designs make up the main entrance elevation of Coventry Cathedral, and is known as the "Screen of Saints and Angels". The pane that was smashed depicts the Angel with the Eternal Gospel.
West Midlands Police has now released CCTV footage of the two thieves in a bid to trace them.
PC Rob Morris, from Coventry Police, said: "These men have destroyed a glass artwork of national heritage and gone on to steal money destined for charity.
"Their actions are truly despicable and have caused outrage in the community.
“I’m sure someone will suspect they know who’s responsible or have overheard someone talking about committing the crime.
“These people don’t deserve any protection and I would ask people to contact us if they have any information. They can call Crimestoppers anonymously and don’t have to leave their name or contact details. We just want to catch the offenders."
A spokesman for West Midlands Police added: "Our investigators have carried out an extensive CCTV trawl and forensic work has been completed at the cathedral.
"We are appealing for anyone who suspects they recognise the men caught on camera, especially if they have access to a Nissan Almera, to contact police."
Anyone with information is asked to call West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111, quoting crime reference number 20CV/20527D/20.
