Churchgoers are warned to be vigilant after thieves stole sound equipment from a second place of worship in east Norfolk.

In the latest crime, sound equipment that was stored in the bell tower of St Mary's church in The Street, South Walsham was targeted.

The kit, which was used during church services and for weddings and baptisms, was taken from the church on the morning of May 8.

It follows a spate of thefts at Holy Trinity Church at Caister, where an audio mixer and amplifier were taken.

There have also been reports of a theft from All Saints in Winterton.

Gillian Hood, churchwarden at South Walsham, said the existing equipment was fairly old, meaning the entire system may need to be replaced and not just the missing parts.

The equipment was stored in the semi-secure bell tower - with a curtain at one entrance and a locked door at the other.

'Somebody going there probably knew what they were looking for, otherwise they were taking quite a risk,' she said. 'It was all a bit of a shock.

'We discovered it just before the service on Sunday.

'You usually hear about thieves taking lead but this seems very specific.'

She said the church would have to make an insurance claim to replace the equipment, resulting in a higher premium.

The previous Sunday wardens at Holy Trinity Church in Caister found £700 of sound equipment had been taken, forcing them to consider beefing up security.

It follows a string of thefts at the church, including a vacuum cleaner and children's toys.

Call police with details on 101.