Clergyman offers prayers to church thieves after two break-ins within weeks

A Borders clergyman whose church has been broken into twice in three weeks is praying for the culprits responsible.

Police are investigating after a suspect broke into St Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Belmont Place in Kelso between 7pm on Thursday, June 17 and 9.15am on Friday, June 18 and made off with cash from a money box.

It follows another break-in at the church between Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26, when a computer unit was snatched.

The suspect in the latest incident had forced their way into an office of the church and stolen the cash.

The church rector, the Reverend Canon Bob King said: “So sad the church has been broken into again. Once again Scottish Borders Police have been amazing, caring and compassionate.

"Praying for whoever committed these crimes.”

Detective Constable Ashley Black, appealing for witnesses to last week’s break-in, said: “We are appealing to anyone who may have seen anything suspicious during that time to contact us.

"Perhaps you saw someone loitering outside the church who looked a little odd or suspicious and thought nothing of it. Any small piece of information could assist our enquiries, so please get in touch.”

If you can help call Police Scotland on 101, quoting the incident number 0784 of 18 June 2021.