A BRIDPORT church is taking extreme security measures after ‘despicable’ vandals struck for the third time in a month.

St Mary’s Church has reluctantly decided to close its doors to the public while security is stepped up.

The move follows the theft and vandalism of historic items from the South Street church, estimated at a total value of £6,000.

Yobs have caused £2,000 damage to the church bells and stolen an irreplaceable Jacobean seat worth around £1,000.

In the latest raid, thieves took a gold embroidered altar covering valued at £3,000.

Musical director Peter Jezzard, who regularly changes the altar covering, said they have a number of theories as to why it was taken.

He said: “Someone probably thinks it would be a good throw for a settee, someone who is anti-church and wanted to make their mark, or it could have been sheer vandalism.”

The church has made three claims on its insurance in the past month, costing £300 in excess payments.

Bridport police sergeant Steve Hughes said: “This is a despicable act of theft carried out in a place of worship and will cost thousands of pounds to replace.

“Immediate security measures have been put in place and the police will be working together with the church to help them.”

The building is usually open to the public every day from 8am to 5pm, but will now only be unlocked at set times and manned by church officials.

Church warden John Cooke said: “We will, reluctantly, have to lock the church for the time being. That is something we take seriously but with sadness, because traditionally it is open.

“It is an extreme measure and will affect quite a few townspeople.

“We are getting quotes and surveys for CCTV and we will hopefully eventually be able to open for restricted hours.

“We will have a ‘church watch’, so people are there at certain hours to keep an eye on things.”

Mr Cooke said locking up the church would have serious financial implications, as visitors donate generously in the collection box.

The donation box has also been a target for vandals, who have glued up the money slot. The church warden said they also recently discovered someone had gone to the toilet on the organ bench.

They have also witnessed youths skateboarding up and down the aisles, and people turning lights on and running up the electricity bill.

Police are appealing for information about the theft or whereabouts of the altar covering and Jacobean chair.

Call Sgt Hughes on 01305 222222.