Thieves strike again at historic Minster

The burglars made off with half a bottle of communion wine in the latest burglary at Howden Minster, but the total bill for repairs to the window, which contains the Minster’s only surviving fragments of mediaeval glass, could cost £7,000.

It is thought the break-in involved a child or small person being lifted through the window – the other side of which was boarded up following the last break-in – who then went and unlocked the door.

Last time the thieves snatched about £20 from a collection box.

Rev James Little said they would have to consider whether to put the window back if there was a risk of it being targeted again: “It is quite a small window and what is surprising is that anyone could actually crawl through there.

“We have a small crimewave going through the town at the moment; there’s been a break-in at the Shire Hall, hairdressers and other shops and businesses. They basically seem to be looking for petty cash.”

In-between the thefts, two lights in windows on the other side of the church have been broken – possibly by someone with an air rifle.

Scenes of crime officers from Humberside Police were yesterday gathering evidence. In a statement the Diocese of York said: “It’s not just the church congregation who suffer when theft and vandalism occurs, it’s the whole community.

“We would like to urge people living near the Minster to keep their eyes open, and report any suspicious activity to Humberside Police on 0845 606 0222, or if they believe a theft to be in progress, to dial 999.”