Church Burglary Results in Theft of Burial Plot Plan and Records

During a church burglary, a safe containing a burial plot plan and other documents was stolen. The perpetrators had first carefully relocated a wooden cross to avoid damaging it. A volunteer minister from the Chapel and School Room Church, located in Woodham Ferrers, near Chelmsford, stated that the absence of the plan would render it “harder to do burials.” The weekend break-in involved burglars forcing entry into the vestry, subsequently removing a “hefty old safe.” Eric Fenwick, a volunteer minister at the church for 25 years, commented: “It’s really upsetting – it’s like someone breaking into your personal space at home.” He further remarked: “They possibly thought we had a silver chalice and plate in there but we don’t, so I can only think the people who did it are not very bright at all.” The stolen safe contained “significant” burial and marriage records, certificates pertaining to the burial of ashes, baptism books, and a small cash tin holding “about £20 in it.” This burial plot document assisted the church in determining the location for interments. Mr. Fenwick elaborated: “There are a number of vacant plots but not masses of them so that is something we really need to know – it makes it harder to do burials.“But one interesting thing is there was a wooden cross on a small cabinet and it was very carefully put out of sight on the other side of the room.“So, whether those who did it have some sort of historical Christian background or not, I don’t know, but there was a reason for moving it while they did what they did.” Essex Police has issued an appeal for details regarding the break-in, which occurred on Main Road between 12:00 GMT on 9 November and 08:00 GMT on 11 November. A spokesperson indicated that a “messy” search preceded the removal of the safe. Information and updates on Essex news can be accessed via BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram, and X. This content is Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external websites. Details concerning the BBC’s approach to external linking are available.