The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Donations theft ‘appalling’, says Perth minister
‘despicable’: Collection bowls inside church smashed and money taken
The minister of a Perth church has described the theft of a three-figure sum from its charity collection bowls as “appalling.”
The Rev John Murdoch, of St John’s Kirk, said security will be increased at the historic building following the crime, which saw a thief entering the church and smashing the glass bowls containing money donated by visitors.
The theft, which took place between 3.45pm and 8pm on Saturday and has been branded “despicable” by Perth’s police chief, was discovered by a church elder who noticed broken glass near the kirk entrance inside the building and then alerted police and Mr Murdoch.
The minister revealed the kirk will be stepping up security in order to “protect” the collection bowls and other artefacts in the building and added he was at a loss to explain the actions of those responsible.
“It’s appalling that any church should suffer a theft like this,” he said.
“One of our elders was in the kirk on Saturday and he discovered some broken glass on the floor, near the entrance to the building. The bowls are like fish bowls and the money that is put into them by visitors goes to Friends of St John’s Kirk.
“We are aware that money was taken but there was no damage to the fabric of this historic church. We felt items like this were protected inside the church but with this taking place we will definitely be looking at security measures.
“We are awaiting the result of the police investigation into the theft.”
Despite the theft shocking many church members and the police, Mr Murdoch said he would like to speak to the person responsible for the crime.
“I’d like to give this person a proper welcome to the church as whoever carried out this crime obviously needs help,” he added.
Chief Inspector Ian Scott, area commander for Perth and Kinross, said the theft was “despicable.”
“This is going to be a challenging crime to solve but we would appeal to the public to contact us if they have any information on this incident,” he said.
A police spokesperson added: “Police Scotland is appealing for information about a theft from St John’s Kirk in St John’s Place, Perth, between 3.45pm and 8pm on Saturday.
“Two glass charity money collection bowls near the entrance to the church were broken into and the money stolen.
“It is not known how much money was in them at the time, but they were nearly full and would have contained well into three figures.”
Anyone with information on the crime should phone police on 101.
preoch@thecourier.co.uk