More security measures are being installed at Merthyr Dyfan church, Colcot, after a series of attacks to the building.

Parishioner Rowena Hughes walks past the church regularly, and noticed the broken stained-glass windows at the bottom of the tower leading into the vestry on March 28, the first weekend of the UK-wide lockdown.

Her husband Brian Hughes fitted a wooden covering, but when they checked the church on Sunday, vandals had used metal bars from the window to try and gain access by gauging at the stone walls.

"They got into the vestry but found themselves unable to get through the metal gate that leads into the main section of the church," said Mrs Hughes.

"So, they ransacked the area where they were trapped, broke into the safes and smashed the glass candle holders inside, and damaged the main wooden door."

"It's just really upsetting. One part of me says it's just mindless vandalism, but looking at what they did to get in, it's like they're trying to steal valuable items.

"People have this misconception that churches are full of silver and gold, anything we did have is now in a museum," she said.

The police investigated but found no fingerprints, and Mr Hughes fixed a metal cover to the window.

No further damage came until the last weekend of September, when Mrs Hughes found the metal bars from the windows leaning against the door.

She found the iron gates designed by Llandaff Cathedral architect George Pace that leads into the porch hanging from its hinges, but the lock had remained in place.

The metal shutter installed by Mr Hughes was missing, cupboards in the vestry had been ransacked and the microwave smashed.

"We also found that The Holy Family window, which depicts Joseph as a carpenter was damaged. That window was donated in the 70s in memory of a church warden who passed away," said Mrs Hughes.

After a meeting with Father Robert Parrish, local councillors, the Colcot Housing Association, Rowena and Brian Hughes, and a crime prevention officer, warning signs were fitted on the church gates.

On October 8, Rowena found the wood which attached the sign to the gate had been kicked off and the screws hanging loose.

Vandals have also kicked at the boundary walls and dislodged the stones, and most recently recycling caddies and bags were stolen from the church.

Team vicar Father Robert Parrish said that the incidents may not have been carried out by the same groups of people.

Father Parrish also said that the church, which dates back to the 13th Century, may be one of the oldest buildings in Barry.

"The building has stood for 820 years, and before that there was a church going back to the Dark Ages, so it's an important historical site" he said.

"One good thing that has come of this is the support from the community."

Dog walkers in the area have changed their routes in order to check on the church, but police advised residents to phone 999 if they see anything.

"We don't want anyone to put themselves at risk," said Mrs Hughes.

"This has hit such a nerve with local residents, they're absolutely up in arms.

"We've had lots of suggestions to protect the church, and offers of donations and fundraising. Hopkin's Butchers donated a replacement microwave, which was lovely.

More security measures will be put in place at the church. Barry Police Inspector Henderson appealed for anyone with information about these offenses to contact the police.

He also said: "We would like to remind those people who are responsible for these mindless acts of vandalism that they are committing a criminal offence and they will be arrested and prosecuted."

Anyone with information, should call 101, or send South Wales Police a private Facebook message , quoting reference number 2000371233.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers , free and anonymously, on 0800 555 111.