Church members setting up for Saturday’s Operation Christmas Child Concert at Lithgow Baptist Church found the debris from the latest in a series of vandalism attacks.
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Rocks had been pitched through one of the windows into the main area of the church, leaving glass and the stones themselves littering the floor around the chairs.
Starting in the middle of April, the church has been the centre of a series of vandalism attacks.
The incidents have included rocks thrown through windows, graffiti, the slashing of construction signs above doors, and the stealing of fittings, including exterior lights and their coverings.
The first time the windows in the office were smashed, it rained soon afterwards, causing damage to a printer which has since been repaired.
“Historically, the building has always been a target, since before we bought it from the Catholic Diocese three years ago,” Lithgow Baptist Church secretary Grahame Edgell said.
The church’s prominent position on the corner of the Great Western Highway and Lee Street makes it very accessible.
“When it first started [in April] we approached Lithgow Police about it. They said they would up the observation of the area, which I know they have done,” Mr Edgell said.
“But this is opportunistic. It’s happening at night.”
While damage has always occurred, the level it has reached over the last three months made it difficult for the church to continue to pay for repairs.
Fifteen windows have been replaced since April at a cost of about $4000, as all the windows have to be made to fit often unusual shapes.
The church will be investing in security cameras and has decided to offer a $500 reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of the vandals.
“Do we really want to put a grill on every window? We don't. It’s against the philosophy of the church. We want people to feel welcome,” Mr Edgell said.
He urged people with information about the vandalism to contact Lithgow Police, or the church on 0418 231 810.