Theft from churches
22/02/2011
Police are urging witnesses to come forward
following a spate of thefts from churches and a cathedral.
The latest incident was reported to police on
Saturday, January 15, when cash was taken from a cash box at
Henllan Church.
PC 2794 Szabo, who is investigating the
offences in Denbighshire said; “Unfortunately, six incidents
have now been reported where cash boxes or charity boxes have been
damaged by an offender or offenders who have then stolen the money
inside.”
The first theft was reported on December 21,
when money was taken from a wooden unit at St Asaph Cathedral after
the lock had been tampered with. On Christmas Eve police were
alerted to a theft at Trefnant Church where cash had been taken
from a wooden charity box after a padlock was forced and
removed.
PC Szabo added: “Both locations were again
targeted at the beginning of the New Year. On January 5, we
received a further report that money had been taken from a wooden
unit at the Cathedral and on January 7, we had a report that a lid
of a wooden charity box at Trefnant Church was prised open and
money taken from inside after attempts were made to remove the
box.”
Sometime between December 20 and December 21
money was taken from a collection box at St Michael’s Church,
Caerwys, the money was being collected for the Barnado’s
charity.
Officers investigating are keeping an open
mind as to whether the incidents are linked.
Police are urging anyone with information or
who may have witnessed the incidents to contact PC 2794 Szabo at
Denbigh Police Station or her colleagues on 101. Alternatively,
contact Crimestoppers with information anonymously on 0800 555
111.