Musical equipment stolen in Church raid: Manchester
(M1 - Saturday, 25 October, 2008)

Thousands of pounds worth of musical and electrical equipment have been stolen from a church.

Police in Manchester city centre are appealing for witnesses following the burglary, which took place overnight on Thursday 23 October 2008 at the Methodist Central Hall in Oldham Street.

There had been a function in the hall, which ended at 11.15pm that night. It is believed the offenders got inside purporting to be guests and then stayed in the church after it was locked. The burglars then ran amok inside the empty building, damaging a number of doors. They stole a large amount of property, including the safe, electrical equipment, guitars, microphones and mixing desks.

The offenders forced open a side shutter and escaped with the goods, which are worth thousands of pounds. It is believed they then got into a taxi on Oldham Street and police are appealing for the driver to contact them.

Chief Inspector Nicola Spragg, of Grey Mare Lane Police Station, said: "This is a mean offence, committed against a building which is there to serve the community. Whoever did this has shown a complete lack of respect for the people who look after and trust people to use the church. Also, the people who attend the church, who are now left without equipment and instruments which they, no doubt, raised money to buy."

She added "I would appeal to anyone who has any information about the burglary or anyone who may have been offered any items of property for sale to call police."

Anyone with any information should call Grey Mare Lane CID on 0161 856 3240 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Methodist Central Hall
Oldham Street
Manchester
Lancashire
M1