Thief takes church’s food bank emergency cash

APARISH has been left shocked after £250 of emergency funding for Heywood foodbank was stolen from the presbytery at Our Lady’s and St Joseph’s, Mary Street.

The incident occurred last Tuesday, December 15, at 4.30pm, which saw an intruder climb over a gate and then open the door, and steal the £250 from secretary Nicola Davies’ office.

The cash was in a jar, and Nicola believes the thief may be someone known to the church.

The money was emergency funding St Vincent de Paul (SVP) who operate Heywood foodbank.

The emergency funding is used to buy fuel vouchers for heat and electricity, and also ‘white goods’ such as repairing someone’s fridge washing machine.

It is used for the most vulnerable in society.

Secretary Nicola Davies said: “Father Paul Daly and myself were out.

“The door was open and Fr Daly watched the CCTV and the money was gone.

“I feel that it’s someone that we know but there’s no evidence of that.” Nicola has been left “disgusted” by the incident.

She added: “I can’t describe it in words.

“It’s disgusting that someone could do this, especially to think it’s someone who comes here.

“Everyone is suffering now because of them.”

Volunteer at the foodbank, Liam Killough, said: “The money can cover everything from or fuel vouchers to repairs.

“£250 doesn’t sound like a lot of money but for a charity our size it is.

“The emergency fund supports other facets of the parish.

“We help anybody in need.

“Stealing from the church is a low life thing to do.

“But especially in December - it’s a difficult time of year.

“It takes a special type of person to break into a presbytery.”

The police, posting on GMP Heywood, said: “On December 15, St. Joseph’s Church in Heywood was unfortunately the target of a burglary.

“As a result petty cash was taken from the St. Vincent de Paul charity fund.

“This money provided those in need, with the opportunity to gain assistance in paying their utility

●●From left, volunteers at Heywood Foodbank, Anne Wolstenholme, Rosemary Killough, Liam Killough, Brian Doyle (SVP District President) Elizabeth Flynn and Lucy Ta’ati. bills, whether this is gas or electric. It also provided those with no means of travel, arranged transport to and from hospital. This fund provided to a large array of people and can be beneficial in supporting those who need it the most.

“If there is anyone who has any information regarding this crime, please contact 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”