'Low' thieves steal funds from church

BREAK-IN . . . thieves entered through the leaded windows

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HOW low do people have to be to do this ­- that's the soul-searching question posed by Rev Derek Palmer after despicable thieves smashed their way into Oldham Parish Church and stole charity cash and funds.

It's believed the cruel culprits broke in at around 6.30pm on Monday, making off with a Royal British Legion collection box and money made from the sale of programmes for the church's recently launched Christmas Tree Festival.

Rev Palmer said: "You can't print what I really want to say. I mean how low do people have to be to do this? To break into a church and steal charity money, particularly at this time of year.

Miracle
"We assume it was youngsters as the gap they got through was so small."

Church warden Marlene Armitage says its fortunate the alarms were triggered otherwise she fears the heartless offenders may well have taken pleasure in vandalising their Christmas tree display which brings festive spirit and joy to hundreds of people every year.

"It's horrendous," said Marlene. "I'm sure the people of Oldham will be horrified to hear anyone could do this. It really is appalling. It's a miracle they didn't smash up the Christmas trees but I think with the British Legion box alarm going off and the church alarm they were in a rush to get out."

It's the second time thieves have struck in recent weeks. In the run up to Remembrance Day, someone sneaked in during a Sunday service and stole another British Legion collection box.

Anyone with information about the break-in should contact police on 101.