Churches are being urged to join a scheme to combat crime, writes Paul Warner.

Church Watch has been launched by north Oxfordshire police on the back of the successful Neighbourhood and Country Watch schemes, which have been in operation for several years.

Among the first to sign up is St Mary the Virgin Church, in Cottisford, which has suffered burglaries.

Two antique chairs and a table, worth several hundred pounds, were stolen 18 months ago. The Rev Ricky Yates, who is in charge of the Shelswell group of parishes which includes Cottisford, welcomed the scheme.

He said: "We have a close association with author Flora Thompson, who worshipped here, and we get many visitors. Many have commented how pleased they are that the church is unlocked, but unfortunately, open doors lead to crimes of this nature."

Insp Carole Haveron, head of Bicester police, said: "We can advise on the steps that church councils should take to protect their heritage. "But there are few things more effective than the voluntary involvement of local residents in watching over the buildings and grounds."

The launch of Church Watch was welcomed by the Diocese of Oxford.

The Rev Richard Thomas, its director of communications, added: "Churches belong to the community and are living testimony to the history, culture and worship that has developed over hundreds of years. "What better than members of today's community joining with clergy and church members to help our children to enjoy that history and to prevent thoughtless vandalism and ignorant theft from a sacred place."