Vandals trash Lancaster church which feeds families struggling during Covid-19 crisis

Father's House Elim Church in Owen Road was broken into overnight on Tuesday, and vandals left a trail of destruction.

Police believe the people responsible were looking for cash, but found none on the premises.

But while nothing was stolen, damage was caused to the building, including flooding in the kitchen after taps were deliberately left running, food pulled from the fridge which has had to be thrown away, and an electric hob left switched on.

Food was being stored at the church for its twice-weekly community food poverty cafe, which currently feeds around 200 people who are struggling due to the pandemic.

As well as those in the Skerton community, volunteers regularly see people visiting from further afield including Morecambe for help.

The church also looks after the homeless with food and clothing - and stored clothing was left strewn across the floor.

A hoodie left behind by the vandals is thought to have been swapped for another item of clothing at the centre.

Pastor Des Deehan said the break-in was discovered early on Wednesday morning.

"They smashed their way into the church and went around the whole building," he said. "It would appear they were looking for cash.

"They went into the kitchen and emptied the fridge out onto the floor and the food from the cupboards. They left the hob on andf turned the taps on and left them running to flood the kitchen.

"We also store clothing for the homeless which had all been dumped on the floor.

"At the moment we are doing 200 meals a week. It is free and we try to cover the cost but obviously any donations of food or money are gratefully received by us.

"It is just such a shame to see what we had being completely wasted. We are trying to get everything sorted so the local community doesn't miss out. Lots of people have volunteered to come in to help clean up so we can carry on.

"The need is so great at the moment. What started out as maybe 20 meals a week is now about 200 and increasing."

It is hoped the community cafe will be able to open on Thursday as normal.

Police are asking for anyone with any information to get in touch. They are also looking for any CCTV from nearby which may help.

A police spokesman said: "The suspects have forced entry into the premises and have thrown the contents of the fridge and clothes bank all over the floor.

"That food has now been spoiled and cannot be used. The clothes were also for people that need them.

"This has obviously had a huge impact on the community. Please let the police know if you have any information about this matter by emailing [email protected], quoting log number LC-20210203-0247."

Meanwhile, Hodgson's Chippy in Primrose was also broken into overnight on Tuesday.