Haydock Christ Church 'burgled and damaged' twice in two days

Located on West End Road in Haydock, Christ Church is a vital community hub that welcomes worshippers as well as toddler groups, youth clubs, girls brigades, knitting groups, and religious and social meet ups.

Despite its importance in the community, it has been reported that the West End Road church was broken into and damaged on Monday, September 30.

With police advising church leaders to stay away from the premises until forensics teams could visit, burglars are reported to have broken into the church the following day and ransacked the venue for the second day running, while this time stealing two TVs.

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The church was ransacked twice in two days (Image: Becky Hillifer) Becky Hillifer, Treasurer of Christ Church and captain of Haydock Girls Brigade, said: "The church was ransacked on the Monday and those responsible must have been looking for money, or scoping it out as they returned the next day.

"It's sad because the church is used by lots of community groups and we had to cancel two of these groups last week.

"We support a lot of people with whatever help they need here, and we don't publicise this because they are often in a difficult situation.

"So it actually makes me feel sorry for the burglars because if they would have come to us for help, we would have helped them. They must be in a bad situation if they were prepared to do this."

Various youth clubs and community groups use the church space (Image: Becky Hillifer) While the church has been secured and fitted with new secure locks, parents at the Girls Brigade group decided to launch a fundraiser to help the church recoup as much money as possible to repair the damage and replace stolen equipment.

In less than a week, the online fundraiser has raised more than £1,200, but as Becky explains, the community response has been much more than just monetary support.

The youth club and girls brigade events had to be cancelled last week (Image: Becky Hillifer) "We have had such an amazing response since the break ins, and not just in terms of money donations", Becky added.

"We have had so many messages from people asking can they help out, and have even had passers-by asking can they help to tidy up as well as offers to replace the TVs and equipment.

"It's so encouraging and really lovely that a lot of good has come out of this."

To help support Haydock Christ Church after the break ins, you can donate to the fundraiser here. More information about the church can be found here.

Haydock Christ Church, on West End Road (Image: Becky Hillifer)A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "We are appealing for information after a church in Haydock was broken into and vandalised.

"At some point between 4.45pm on Monday 30 September and 10.30am on Tuesday 1 October, Christ Church, on West End Road, was broken into and damage was caused to the inside of the building.

"If you have any information about this incident, you can call 101 or DM @MerPolCC quoting reference number 24000839136."