HEARTLESS thieves stole a new sound system from a Bolton church just three weeks after it was installed.

The congregation of St George's Church, Plodder Lane, Farnworth, raised funds for more than a year to get the vital equipment.

But angry parishioners discovered the £500 sound system had been stolen after it had only been used a few times.

New Bury Parish team rector, the Rev Ashby Owens, said: "The really upsetting thing about all this is that it has taken them so long to raise the money, and as soon as they get it someone takes it."

And one parishioner, who did not want to be named, said: "The people who did this are cowards to be so low as to steal from a church.

"Someone, somewhere, is the receiver of this system and I for one hope they don't get any pleasure from it."

Church members believe the thieves must have known exactly where the sound system was because they broke in through the vestry right next to the equipment. The parishioner warned other would-be thieves: "Don't bother coming in the back way, there's nothing left to get now

"Try the front door on a Sunday and pray for forgiveness."

St George's Church has been the target of vandals a number of times and Mr Owens suffered a similar theft in his last parish in the Stockport area.

He added: "It was a real asset to the church which is a difficult building to speak in.

"It was intended for the whole community to benefit at christenings and times when local children visit the church."

Anyone with information should contact Mr Owens on Bolton 572334.

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