Police are investigating a spate of thefts from churches and chapels across south west Wales.

Dyfed-Powys Police are looking into a total of 17 break-ins at churches in Pembrokeshire over the weekend - all but one in rural areas in the north of the county.

It is a chilling feeling to think that there has been an intruder in our church

Illtyd Protheroe, vicar of Llanllwch

Most were discovered by worshippers as they arrived for Sunday services.

This follows similar earlier thefts in churches in Carmarthen and Brecon.

In some incidents, safes were broken into and money stolen from collection plates.

Police are now writing to the vicars and church wardens of all 160 churches in the St David's diocese urging them to be extra vigilant.

Meanwhile, detectives are appealing to residents to keep a watchful eye on their local places of worship.

In Pembrokeshire, reports have been received of burglaries in Walton West, Spittal, Rosemarket, Newport, Moylegrove, Castell Henllys, Nevern, Wiston, Talbenny, St Dogmaels, Mynachlog Ddu, Llangolman, Llys Y Fran, Maenclochog, Dinas, Llanwnda and Llanhowel.

In Carmarthenshire, thieves targeted churches at Llanllwch, Cilycwm and Llanddowror.

Intrusion

Illtyd Protheroe, vicar of Llanllwch, said: "It is a chilling feeling to think that there has been an intruder in our church.

"Even though we must now lock our church doors thieves are still determined to break in."

The Bishop of St David's diocese, the Right Reverend Carl Cooper said he did not know what the motivation was for the burglaries.

He said: "Often the damage done costs far more than what was sought after in the break -ins.

"I don't think society is any worse these days and I wouldn't want incidents like this to prevent an open and sacrificial ministry."

Pc Ellis Davies of Dyfed-Powys Police said churches and chapels have increased their security over recent years.

He said: "You don't expect such things to happen.

"People should be able to worship without worrying if someone is going to break in just for a few pence."