Police have stepped up patrols in a Mid Wales town after vandals went on a wrecking spree at a churchyard. St Mary’s Church in Newtown was the victim of repeated vandal attacks last month.

Tombs were opened and offensive graffiti daubed on walls.

Hundreds of pounds worth of damage has been caused in the past few weeks to the church.

Newtown Town Council had called on the police to step up patrols in the area to put a stop to the vandalism.

Councillor Joy Jones, town mayor, today said the inc-rease in police officers near the church had had a positive effect on crime levels.

She said: “I am pleased to say that there was no vandalism caused to the churchyard over a busy bank holiday weekend and I am putting that down to the increased police presence.

“The vandalism was awful and when I have passed the church a few times in the last week I have seen that there are more police about, which is great.”

Councillor Phil Watkins said the vandalism was getting out of hand.

He said: “I am not at all happy about what has been going on at St Mary’s.

“I know that a lot of vandalism has gone on there in the past but it seems to have really taken off again in the past couple of weeks as highlighted in the media.”

A spokeswoman for Dyfed Powys Police said: “There has been an increased police presence in the area of St Mary’s Church and anyone who has any information on the incidents should contact us on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

The United Reform Chur-ch and Catholic Church in the town have also both been targeted in recent weeks.