A CHURCH leader has hit out at thoughtless thieves who stole expensive equipment used by deaf members of his congregation.

Hard of hearing churchgoers will now struggle to hear Father Keith Henshall's Sunday sermons after burglars got away with £3,000-worth of audio equipment.

The culprits broke into The Ascension Church on Watling Street Road, Brookfield, during the night on July 30/31.

Father Henshall complained: "It had been installed only about six months ago. I've a number of people in my congregation who are hard of hearing and wear hearing aids. It can quite often be difficult for them.

"The equipment cut out external noises but now the standard of their involvement in worship has been made more difficult.

"No-one has been hurt and there's no damage to the building but it further increases people's feelings of being threatened. There are feelings of sorrow and frustration - and to some extent outrage at what has happened."

The church is fully insured so the equipment will be replaced in time but security may need to be stepped up.

Father Henshall said: "In some senses security cameras at churches may have to be a reality some time in the future although it's something we'd never choose to do."

The thieves, who got away with specialist loop induction system and amplifiers, left behind microphones and speakers. A police spokesman branded the crime as 'heartless'.

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