Burglars make off with donation box at Oxford church

Police say the crime has had a 'serious impact' on the orthodox community

Author: Cameron GreenPublished 16th Dec 2025

Thames Valley Police are investigating a break-in at the Greek Orthodox Church on Canterbury Road where offenders forced entry and stole a key and money box.

The burglary happened between 1pm on Monday 8 December and 7am on Tuesday 9 December 2025. Offenders smashed the safety glass on a rear door to gain access, forced open a candle donation box, and took a key from a safety box. Several rooms were entered, but nothing else appears to have been taken.

Kenneth Velding, a staff investigator at Oxford police station, said: “This burglary has had a significant impact on the Orthodox community, and we are determined to identify those responsible. We urge anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or has any information to come forward.”

Anyone with information or footage can report online or call 101, quoting reference 43250624981. To remain anonymous, people can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.