Villagers near Tow Law shocked by cooker theft

Villagers in Thornley, near Tow Law, say they were shocked after burglars broke into the community facility and stole a cooker and coffee machine last month.

Roger Kelly, a resident and chairman of the Village Hall Association, said the crime was completely out of keeping with Thornley.

He said: “It was a real shock as there is comparatively much less crime these days, the cooker was taken along with a coffee machine.

“The hall has only recently been beautifully refurbished.”

The burglary occurred sometime between 5pm on Friday, November 9, and 4pm on Sunday, November 11.

A police spokesman said the intruders broke in via the rear garden then smashed their way through a reinforced window and entered the kitchen.

He said: “They stole an electric stove and hob valued at £500. At this stage it's not known if the break-in was carried out by one person or more than one.

“No arrests have so far been made.”

PC Mick Rutherford, the beat officer for the village, said: "This is very out of character for Thornley and believed to be an isolated incident.

“If anyone has any information we would urge them to contact police or to ring Crimestoppers.”

Residents and the church are now hoping to replace the kitchen items.

Two weeks ago a Christingle service was held to raise funds and next Wednesday (December 19) the village’s annual carol service will be held along with a raffle running to raise funds.

The service will start at 7pm in the Church of Saint Bartholemew in the middle of the village and be followed by a candlelit procession to the village hall, and all are welcome.

Mr Kelly said: “Christmas has been celebrated in the church for 184 years with the vicar, local people and their friends coming together.

“The church and village hall have come together to replace the stolen goods and make the place secure for the future.”

Anyone with information on the burglary can contact Durham police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.