Gidea Park church volunteers have �3,000 worth of electrical goods stolen
Church volunteers had �3,000 worth of electrical goods stolen from their church while they were doing community work.
Re:generation Church based at the Gidea Park Methodist Church in Brentwood Road, have had to step up on security after they were targeted by thieves on Monday July 30 (yesterday).
Jason Piper, youth worker at the church said: “It is very heart breaking.
“The volunteers are serving the community and helping people and it is disgusting that something like this has happened.”
Jason was alerted to the theft when he was told by one of the 50 international volunteers staying at the church hall for the week, that her mobile phone and camera were missing.
When they looked they found that a total of three mobile phones and two cameras had been taken.
They believe that the theft could have taken place anytime throughout the day between 10am and 4pm.
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Jason said: “I feel pretty gutted.
“Theft is one thing, but it’s a kick in the teeth for the people that are putting their hearts into serving the community.
“Many of the volunteers came here just to help the people of Havering and this is how they are being treated.”
Thieves also struck at the church two months ago, stealing a plasma TV from the wall while a service was taking place just feet away.
Jason says that volunteers now have to take it in turns before leaving the church.
He said: “It is sad that we can’t have more people out, especially because it is the main reason that they came over here.
“But we have just had to compromise, it is one of the harsh realities of society.
“They won’t force us to stop doing community work because that’s the whole reason we are here.”
The church will be holding a games event called push the button on Friday August 3 from 6.30pm for ages nine to 15.
They will also be opening their doors on Saturday July 4 for a community fun day from 1pm to 6pm.
Anyone with information about the thefts should call the police on 101.
