A crimewave swept through a tranquil rural village in a night of lawlessness.

Thieves broke into four properties in Coxwold, including the historic St Michael's Church and the village hall.

Several more break-ins were attempted in the village, which is home to only 200 people, and is considered by many to be Yorkshire's prettiest.

Thieves broke into a farm, stealing a van from the drive while the owners slept upstairs.

It was eventually found smashed and dumped near Helmsley.

They smashed an ancient stained glass window in the church vestry, and broke into the electricity meter at the village hall.

Church treasurer Trevor Grice said: "They did not find any money, but they have done a lot of damage searching for it."

Church warden Dorothy Burn said: "There were things all over the vestry, it's awful.

"They had gone through all the linen and things made by people, just searching for money.

"It is upsetting for everyone in the village, but people have been very good and are really pulling together."

At the nearby Manor Farm the thieves broke in at about 6am, through a window. They rifled through two handbags and a desk taking all the cash they found, then stole van keys from the hall.

Resident John Peckitt was just getting up when he heard the van start up.

"He ran out into the drive when he heard it start, then ran down the road after them shouting," said his wife, Wendy.

"They found it a bit later, and we have got it back now, but it was all smashed up at the front.

"It is upsetting, you are always on edge now, you feel like you just can't trust."

A police spokesman said: "This is a deplorable attack on an area unused to crime.

"A substantial police investigation has been launched, with forensic investigation and house-to-house interviews.

"It should act as a reminder of the importance of security even in quiet places like Coxwold."

This weekend will see about 15 "secret gardens" in the village being opened to the public for one day only, to raise funds for the church.

Organiser Jean Richardson said: "We are raising money to fund the replacement of the large stained glass window at the church. It's strange that this happened as we are about to do this, but hopefully the insurance will cover that one."

Updated: 10:12 Wednesday, June 04, 2003