Sir, Our church is a place of beauty, tranquillity and a space for all who seek a time of peace, but is becoming less so recently. The vicar and wardens would like to bring to everyone's attention the increasing vandalism and theft from St Mary's Church, Monmouth. This has increased since the beginning of the year, with the attempted theft from two donations boxes in the church. Both were torn from the floor and damaged beyond repair, but fortunately were sufficiently secure to prevent the cash from being taken. Another box was made from stainless steel by an engineering firm near Oxford as a gift to the church. Sadly, it too was damaged and repaired but within the last two weeks seriously damaged again. Fortunately, the thieves could not get at the money. The picture shows the extent of the damage to this box. We, at St Mary's, are also a collection point for the food bank at the Raven House Trust in Newport. The Raven House Trust is a Christian organisation which feeds the destitute via four food banks in the south east Wales area. They also provide furniture and items for those newly re-housed. Recently, senseless theft of food has been taking place; senseless in that it is then often left in the churchyard to become useless. May we, through your newspaper, remind all that the items stolen are depriving the poor and needy of help. We ask that everyone in town be made aware of what is happening and ring the community police if they see anything suspicious within the church or in the churchyard. The last time the church became the object of vandalism and theft the whole town worked together to ensure that the churchyard is maintained as an area of peaceful green space and the church itself a haven of tranquillity for individuals, especially at times of need, or to enjoy the beauty of the space. The money, which is generously donated to the church by visitors, is not our money, but the communities' money and used for the good of the community. St Mary's Priory Church will remain open for everyone who needs a space to reflect, pray and find peace. There is no need for anyone to steal from us; anyone in need only has to get in touch with us and ask. If you are passing, do feel welcome to call in. And if you see anyone doing anything unacceptable, phone 101 and report it. Thank you for your support and vigilance. Rev David McGladdery (vicar) Val Howells (churchwarden) Mary Shaw (churchwarden)