Church thefts
June 16th, 2010 | Posted by Admin
This is a press release to all Neighbourhood Watch Schemes in the Grantham area on Tuesday, 15th June.
James Richard Taylor (27), of Cheverley Park, Grantham, was charged with four church burglaries on June 8. These included St Swithin’s Church in Church Street, Long Bennington, on April 18, St Nicholas’ Church in Fulbeck on April 22, St Nicholas’ Church in Barkston on April 23 and St John’s Baptist Church in Main street, Cold Overton, Rutland, on May 5.
Taylor also asked for 11 other church burglaries in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire to be taken into consideration. He pleaded guilty to the offences at Grantham Magistrates Court on June 9 and was remanded in custody for sentencing at Lincoln Crown Court on a date that has yet to be set. The date will be circulated ASAP.
DC Mel Naylor of Grantham CID headed up the investigation. She said: “This is a fantastic result for all of the churches involved.
“Taylor’s crimes had an extremely negative impact on small tight-knit communities. A lot of people like church wardens devote their time out of the goodness of their heart to the upkeep of our village churches and they were very hurt by what happened.
“Taylor stole cash, silver and documents from churches around Grantham and in Leicestershire. Much of what he took was irreplaceable and has now been sold on – probably lost forever. Thankfully we have managed to recover some records and these have been returned.
“We worked closely with Leicestershire Police on this investigation and we would like to thank them for their assistance.”
