In a distressing turn of events, the village of Binbrook has been rocked by the theft of heating oil from St Mary and St Gabriel’s Church for the second time this year. As reported by Lincolnshire Live, around 500 litres of heating oil were taken from the church’s tank, a loss that has left the community feeling vulnerable and violated.
Church warden Kate Collins expressed her dismay at the situation, describing it as "terrible" and "disheartening." This theft comes at a particularly challenging time, with fuel prices continuing to rise, making it increasingly difficult for the church to replace what has been stolen. The church serves as a vital sanctuary for many, especially elderly parishioners and local community groups who depend on the warmth and comfort it provides.
Collins highlighted the emotional toll of the crime, stating, "Stealing from a church isn't just a property crime; it's stealing the warmth from elderly parishioners and community groups who rely on the building." She noted that the church is a place built on trust and openness, and the act of theft represents a serious breach of that trust.
In response to the thefts, a GoFundMe page has been established to help raise funds for the church, with hopes of implementing preventative measures. These measures may include installing CCTV, building a fence, and securing a new lock to protect the oil tank from future thefts.
Lincolnshire Police are actively investigating the incident and have appealed to the public for assistance. A spokesperson for the police stated, "Incident 94 of 12 April 2026 refers to a report of oil being stolen from St Mary and St Gabriel’s Church in Binbrook. We are appealing for any information or CCTV footage that may help the investigation into this. If you can help, please report this to us via 101 by quoting incident 94 of 12 April."
Authorities have expressed concerns that such crimes may become more common as the cost of oil rises. They encourage residents with oil tanks to regularly check their supplies and consider security measures. Recommendations include securing tanks within cages, installing lockable gates and filler caps, and using security lights and CCTV.
As this situation unfolds, the Binbrook community is left to grapple with the implications of these thefts. The warmth and safety of their cherished church have been compromised, and residents are urged to come together to support their local sanctuary.
What steps do you think the community can take to protect local resources like the church's heating oil from theft?