A CHURCH minister was left disgusted after discovering thieves had broken into her car and stolen her handbag – while she conducted a funeral service.

Margaret Hoadley, who regularly conducts services at Southampton Crematorium, said she was furious to find her car had been ransacked.

The 70-year-old layman minister is now urging people to be careful as she is worried mourners could suffer the same fate.

She said: “I just can’t believe that someone could do that, I’m very angry and it really saddens me that people would target that area.

“Dealing with a death is hard enough without having to face something like this afterwards.”
Margaret, who also holds services in St Edward’s Church, Netley Abbey, was away from her car for almost an hour when the break-in happened.

“I’m really shaken by it. There was glass all over the passenger seat and even though I had hidden my handbag under some shopping it had been found.

“My bag had everything inside, my phone, house keys, credit cards and some personal belongings.

“The staff at the crematorium were so helpful and I am truly thankful but people shouldn’t have to face this sort of crime when they are mourning the death of a loved one.

"It would be awful for a second tragedy to happen.

“I have been with the Church of England for 35 years and never seen anything like this before, it doesn’t make you feel very safe.”

Hampshire police confirmed it was investigating the theft, which happened between 11am and 11.54am on Tuesday. Anyone with information should call 101.