Blantyre church thieves strike again

Jan 21 2010

ST JOSEPH’S Church in Blantyre has become the latest place of worship to be targeted by thieves recently.

The church hall was broken into between last Thursday night, January 14, and last Friday morning, January 15.

The incident happened between 9.30pm on the Thursday evening and 8.45pm on the Friday.

Although a church source told the Advertiser that “very little” had been taken, police confirmed that the thief made off with a quantity of alcohol worth a three-figure sum.

No descriptions of any suspects are available at this time, however police are urging any witnesses to come forward.

It is the second time a church in Blantyre has been broken into in recent weeks.

A thief broke into a house at St John Ogilvie RC Church, Broompark Road, entering through a window some time between 1pm on December 30 and 11am, January 1. A sum of money was stolen.

It is believed the cash was raised by church-goers through donations.

It is one of a number of similar incidents of church thefts throughout the Hamilton and Blantyre area in recent weeks.

A police spokeswoman said: “The deliberate targeting of places of worship by opportunistic thieves is abhorrent, and we would urge anyone who has information about this incident, or previous incidents, to contact us.

“We will continue to investigate these incidents, and would urge parishioners, members of the public and the clergy to report any suspicious persons or vehicles to us.

“Anyone with information as to the identity of the person or persons responsible is asked to contact us.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

A police community consultation evening will be held at Blantyre Community Resource Centre, Calder Street, tonight (Thursday) from 4pm to 7pm.

All Blantyre residents are welcome.