CCTV Cameras for Vandalised Church

New Milton church wins bid for new security cameras after being targeted by vandals.

07:12 21 May 2020

New Forest District Council has approved proposals to install CCTV cameras at a church in New Milton, which has been plagued by vandalism. The council also gave the go-ahead for a pair of steel protective window grills to be installed at St Mary Magdalene Church. 

 

Mike Hamilton, a volunteer for the church committee, welcomed the decision. He said: "We've had sporadic incidents at the church.

 

"Every couple of years, it gets bad down there with people smashing windows or taking tiles off the lychgate roof. 

 

"Just repairing the windows and putting the grills up will bring some comfort to the congregation but having the CCTV will make us aware of what is going on in there. 

 

"Any footage captured could also be used as evidence for the police if needed."

 

Previously, a thanksgiving memorial service was interrupted by a group of youths banging on windows of the church. Another incident reported to the police involved a gang throwing a stone through a car's rear window. 

 

The cameras and window grills are set to be installed next month, depending on the coronavirus situation.