Driver flees after destroying gates
A brazen van driver destroyed a church’s gates and then drove off.
Police are investigating after the gates at the side entrance to St Mark’s Church Hall, Raploch, were damaged.
At around 10.30am on Sunday, a white Ford Transit van was towing a road roller which became trapped in the gate. The driver pulled off, causing the gates and supporting stone pillars to be destroyed.
Witnesses said the driver fled the scene, and then abandoned the trailer in nearby Ferguson Street after disconnecting it.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said: “Police in Stirling were called to Drip Road, Raploch, at around 10.30am on Sunday following a report of gates being damaged by a white Ford Transit pick-up with road surfacing equipment attached.
“Anyone with information which can assist officers should contact Police Scotland on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Rev Stuart Davidson said the church were left a bit surprised that someone would damage the gates then drive away. He said: “It is the second time that something like this has happened. The damage was quite bad, and it was a bit of a surprise. Fortunately nobody was injured though.
“We don’t know how much it will cost to repair. We have had to take photographs, and the police have as well. It will go to our insurance company and we will see. But fixing the big wall and the metal gates will be quite expensive.”