Thieves broke into a Poole church and made off with a safe and a valuable silver chalice.
The discovery was made at Newtown Methodist Church on Ringwood Road, opposite the Albion pub, on Sunday.
Police believe the thieves broke in through a window in a door sometime on Saturday or early Sunday.
PC Sophie Williams, of Gravel Hill police station, said: "This is an appalling and heartless crime.
"The church is well respected and widely used by some of the older residents in the area. This crime will come as a great blow to them."
The Rev Dr Mark Kimber, from the church, said he was "saddened" and "disappointed" by the theft.
Police want to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious near the church. Contact Dorset Police on 01202 222222.
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