A STAINED glass window believed to be about 600 years old was stolen from a church in Cranoe last week. Thieves removed the window from a c1400 stone tower at St Michael and All Angels Church in Church Hall Lane. Police believe it may have been stolen to be sold at an architectural salvage yard. The theft happened last Thursday or Friday and the diamond-patterned leaded glass was yellow, faded red and blue in colour. In the centre was a pattern resembling either a rose, flower or coat of arms. The Rev Elizabeth Sewell, the rural dean for the Anglican church in Harborough, said, "The news has been met with a degree of surprise, sorrow and sadness because village churches are really important to their community." Inspector Mick Norman, head of Harborough police, said, "It was carefully and professionally removed from the church. No fragments were left behind. It is the first time I have heard of this in my 32 years of policing. Unfortunately we have had a number of church break-ins over the last 12 months. We would ask anybody who lives in the vicinity of rural churches to keep an eye out and do not be reluctant to report anything suspicious. We are asking for public support - this was a mean crime." Church council member Vivien Hall said, "How can they have the gall to take out a whole stained glass window? Villagers are saying it was probably stolen to order." People with information can call PCSO 6526 Martin Doyle on 0116 2222222.
 
25 July 2006
 
No crime ref number, ilustration or sizes were given. No theft alert has been received.