The Bishop of Dudley has called for the clock to be turned back to a time when church doors were left open even when out of use.

The Rt Rev David Walker said a locked church is more likely to attract thieves who know they will not be disturbed. He spoke after it was reported thieves struck at two Dudley churches, St Edmund King & Martyr, Castle Street, and Dudley Baptist Church, Priory Road.

He was today backed by the Ecclesiastical Insurance Group – the main insurance group for churches.

He said: “If the church is open and someone goes in to steal they know there is a chance someone else will come in. If they break in to a locked church they know they will not be disturbed.

“Each church has to look at its own circumstances but it is more of deterrent if it is open. Also if thieves break in through a stained glass window they can cause a thousand pounds worth of damage and get away with only 50p.”

He added: “The first thing a church needs to do is talk to the insurers who are often able to give advice. It is about not having valuable things on display and making sure money is not left in the church safe but is banked quickly.

“The next step is to have set times when the church is open and to publicise these clearly, perhaps on the church noticeboard, so that people who are passing know the church is unlocked and they can go in. Evidence shows that deters thieves.”

Ecclesiastical Insurance Group spokesman Chris Pitt said: “We have always encouraged and will always encourage churches to open their doors. An open church which is empty is vulnerable but an open church which is well used is much safer than a church which is locked up.

“Churches should be doing their utmost to open their doors and let the public in as that is what they are there for.” Bride-to-be Marcella Tozer, 49, had her handbag stolen from St Edmund on Sunday as she was being photographed outside with fiance and altar server Adrian Baillie, 46.