An HISTORIC village church has smashed its fundraising target following two attacks by heartless thieves. St Nicholas’ Church, in Castle Hedingham, dates back to the 12th century and is a Grade I listed landmark. However, the church was left devastated after crooks struck twice in a matter of days. Church representatives said thieves first struck on December 18 and stole the downpipes on the side of the church. The thieves walked away with the bottom 12 feet of each pipe which help drain water from the church’s gutters. Despite residents and the church being on alert following the incident, thieves struck again just three days later when returning for the top halves they left behind.