Cruel thieves ransack church hall

Feb 1 2010 by Bryan Brough, Paisley Daily Express

Cruel thieves ransack church hall

A PRIEST yesterday slammed thieves who TWICE broke into a church hall and stole thousands of pounds worth of equipment used by children with special needs.

The crooks pinched expensive TVs, computer games and musical instruments as they targeted the parish hall at St Mirins Cathedral in Paisley.

And the gang also went on a wrecking spree as they kicked in doors and forced open cupboards.

Monsignor John Tormey spotted one of the thieves pushing a trolley full of stolen goods along the street in the early hours of the morning but had no idea the haul had been taken from his church.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: I was wakened by a noise in the street at around 4.30am and, when I looked out of the window, I saw a person with a trolley full of items.

I alerted the police but it was only later that I realised where the equipment had come from.

If Id known that at the time, I would have gone after the person.

The first break-in took place overnight as the crooks smashed through glass at the rear of the church hall, which is near Incle Street, and made off with TVs, dozens of DVDs, and computer games.

Three nights later, a range of musical instruments, including two keyboards, an acoustic guitar and an amplifier, was taken.

The equipment was used by members of various groups which meet in the church hall, including youngsters with special needs.

It is believed the same gang is responsible for both break-ins.

Monsignor Tormey, 52, who is the administrator at St Mirins Cathedral, said: Its people who have special needs who used the musical instruments.

Even crisps were taken. How sad is that?

Im sure the thieves knew they were stealing from special needs youngsters. Thats despicable enough but they then returned a second time a few nights later and took more things.

We have a lot of community clubs who meet here, including voluntary groups and charities, and its so disappointing that these break-ins have happened.

Last night, police appealed to anyone who has information about the break-ins to get in touch.

They also want to hear from anyone who has been approached to buy musical equipment in the last few days

One officer said: If you have any information, ring Paisley Police Office on 0141 532 5900 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.