Listed building damaged as thieves target Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington

1:57pm Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News

By Clare Buchanan

The Autumn Art Fair at Landmark Arts Centre last year

An arts charity has been left out of pocket after thieves broke into its headquarters and raided a collection pot.

A 19th century window was smashed along with a donation tin, worth about £150, during the break in at the Landmark Arts Centre, in Ferry Road, Teddington.

Police said the Grade II listed building was targeted sometime after 4.30pm on Sunday, January 20, but there was no description of any suspects.

Arts centre manager Lesley Bossine said although a photography exhibition was running no one was in the former church at the time of the incident and no one was hurt.

She said: “It’s upsetting to think that somebody out there sees us as worth picking on.

“The silly thing is, not much was taken as the donation pot was smashed. It will be about £150 to repair but what they got was coppers.

“It’s the inconvenience and the feeling that people have done that.”

The unsubsidised independent charity will now have to foot the bill for repairs to the windows, which will have to be replaced in keeping with the historic building.

Mrs Bossine said: “It’s a lesson for everyone to be more aware. Everyone thinks Teddington is such a nice safe place and on the whole it is but everyone needs to keep their eyes and wits about them.

“If anyone has any information please do contact the police.”

The church building was designed for a 1,200-strong congregation but had to be saved from neglect by campaigners who wanted to preserve Victorian architecture and became an arts centre.

The group offers a year round programme of arts events, classes, workshops and exhibitions for the community.

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