Thief pounced during mass to steal cash
Member of the congregation saw crook flee church
Police are hunting a callous thief who swiped church collection cash during a mass.
The crook got in and nicked the money box as worshippers gathered at St Mirin’s Cathedral in Paisley.
A shocked member of the congregation heard a noise and went to investigate.
She witnessed a man fleeing with the parish funds and raised the alarm.
Officers are now working to identify the man who cruelly lifted the money and made off.
The despicable incident happened last Sunday, but it was only reported to police on Thursday.
The amount of cash taken is unknown, but is believed to be around £30.
Now cops are keen to trace the suspect behind the brazen raid and have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Inspector Tracy Harkins, from Paisley community police team, described the crime as “despicable” and urged people to help snare the crook.
She said: “We are investigating the theft of collection money for St Mirin’s Cathedral on Sunday, July 22.
“We are now appealing for help to trace the male involved in the incident.
“A mass was underway when a noise was heard to the rear of the church. When a member of the congregation went to investigate, she observed a male leaving with a collection box containing money from the service.
“This sort of behaviour will not be tolerated and we are investigating the matter fully.
“This was money collected for the church and this despicable theft is unacceptable.
She added: “We are appealing to members of the public to come forward to help us identify the suspect.
“Did you see a male making off from the church on Sunday morning last week carrying something? If so, we want to hear from you.”
If you have any information, you should contact police in Paisley on 101or Crimestopppers,