SECURITY cameras are due to be installed at a Blackbird Leys church by the end of the year after fundraising efforts by the congregation.

At least four CCTV cameras are being bought for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sawpit Road at a cost of about £3,000.

Vicar Fr Nazarius Mgungwe said it was hoped the extra measure would put an end to low-level crime affecting the congregation.

He said: "We actually need it because a few people have broken into cars during Sunday mass and we had a few incidents in the church hall.

"They will be outside and inside - not right in the church but in the hall, the passageways and the entrances.

"We are very close to it now and we should be installing them definitely by Christmas."

About 120 people attend mass at the church every week and Sacred Heart, with regular visitors hailing from East Timor, the Philippines, India and the Caribbean.

Funds have been raised by locals through private donations and special events including sponsored walks around the Leys.

In about two weeks' time the church's finance committee will meet to look at different quoted prices for CCTV cameras and choose where they will buy from.