Minister robbed at poppy service

Remembrance theft victim: ‘I forgive them’

An Aberdeen minister who was robbed of hundreds of pounds as he held a Remembrance Sunday service has turned the other cheek and forgiven the thief.

Reverend Hutton Steele found this week all the money from his wallet was missing after he conducted last Sunday’s service at the High Hilton Church of Scotland.

He had left his jacket unattended in the house of worship. A police investigation has now begun.

But last night the Rev Steele showed true Christian compassion saying he felt “sad” for the perpetrator

He said: “I suppose it is just one of those things, sadly. There is no point in losing any sleep over it.

“It’s very sad that someone would find themselves in such circumstances they felt they need to do this.

“My last church had lead stolen from the roof. I think unfortunately churches can be soft targets.”

Investigating officer PC Aaron Scoular of the Mastrick community policing team said: “People do not expect to become the victim of a crime when they attend a church service and so it is particularly disappointing that this incident has occurred, especially on Remembrance Sunday.

“I would be keen to speak to a man who was seen entering and then leaving the church at around 11am that day. He may have valuable information that could assist with our enquiries.

“If anyone recalls seeing anything unusual or suspicious in the area of High Church Hilton last Sunday morning, I would ask them to contact Police Scotland on 101.”

Other Aberdeen churches have been targeted in recent years.

Last June, thieves targeted two Aberdeen churches – stealing money and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

The culprits struck at Northfield Parish Church and Newhills Parish Church, causing more than £500 of damage.

Rev Hutton Steele