AN angry dad has blasted “heartless thieves” who wrecked his daugther’s christening by breaking into the cars of several guests while they were inside a church.

Phil Taylor now wants to warn other people parking in the lane leading up to the cemetery at St Mary Magadalene church in Church Street, Great Bustead, to be on their guard against the thieves.

Mr Taylor, 43, and his wife Emma had invited family members from all over the UK – including Wales and Northern Ireland – to attend the christening of their 11-month old daughter Hannah.

But he was shocked to discover windows on five cars were smashed and gifts stolen from inside, while the family were in the church.

Mr Taylor said: “I think they could see the gifts for Hannah on the back seats and that’s why they did it.

“My poor father-in-law had to drive back to Peterborough with a smashed window and we tried everything, including clingfilm, to try and patch the window up.

“I want whoever did this to feel absolutely rubbish. They’ve got to have some conscience.”

Mr Taylor, the manager of the T Cribb & Sons funeral directors on Broadway Link, Pitsea, said he now wanted to warn other people using the church that thieves are operating in the area.

He said after speaking to locals living near the church, the family were told cars parked in the lane were regularly targeted by thieves.

Mr Taylor added: “I want people to know this is going on. I just wouldn’t want people to go through what we have.”

Police are probing the thefts, which happened between 1pm and 2pm on Saturday, August 24.

At the time of the incident, a red two-door Peugeot 107 was seen in the area.

Anyone with information can contact police at Basildon on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.