RAIDERS caused serious damage to six tombs and stole heating oil from a village church - all in one night.
Three of the 17th and 18th century tombs at Llanarmon yn Ial churchyard were found opened last Wednesday morning.
Members of the church and community believe those involved were searching for lead coffins or artefacts.
“It’s disgusting,” said church warden George Flanagan.
“There are around six of them that are damaged – three of them worse than others – which have had the tops taken off, so the sides have fallen in and broken.
“What they are looking for God only knows.
“It is possible they were looking for lead/lime coffins, but the bodies are buried six feet under, so they won’t find any lead or artefacts in the tombs themselves.
“This is not wilful damage, the tombs have been opened to see if there is anything to steal.
“They are nothing more than grave robbers,” he said.
The incident, which happened sometime during Tuesday night, also saw the church’s heating oil being stolen, the second time in a matter of months.
“More oil has gone,” added Mr Flanagan. “We filled it three weeks ago with more than £1,000 worth of oil.
“We have only had the heating on for three services, there is below a quarter left, so about £800 worth has been stolen.”
Llanarmon yn Ial county councillor Christine Evans said the tombs were heavy, so could not have been lifted easily.
“It’s disgraceful, don’t they realise these things are empty?" she said.
“I am absolutely appalled that people can be so mindless.
“People nearby didn’t hear anything through the night either so they must have been very quiet,” she added.
The church and community council are now hoping to come together to raise money for security lights to be installed.
PCSO Ben Madeley said they were anxious to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and noticed anything suspicious.
“We can reassure the public that a full investigation will take place.”
Anyone with information should call the non-emergency 101 number.