Break-ins reported at Caithness churches

There’s been a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins at churches in Caithness in recent weeks.

Four incidents have been reported to police, including churches in Thurso, Halkirk and Wick.

This has included one incident where a quantity of cash was stolen from the Pulteneytown Parish Church in Wick.

The others have included attempts to force entry, including the most recent reported incident which involved an attempt to force entry at St Fergus Church on Wick High Street sometime between Sunday, October 14 and Tuesday this week.

The earliest of these incidents was reported on Sunday, September 30.

Inspector Marlene Macdonald said: " Recently there has been a number of incidents in Caithness where attempts have been made to force entry cash to church premises while they have been unoccupied.

"We are keeping an open mind but given similarities between each incident, it is likely they are linked.

"Enquiries are ongoing and we working in partnership with the churches with these investigations.

"I would ask anyone who believes they have seen anything suspicious around a church building to let us know.

"We would also advise all churches and any other unoccupied premises not to store money in the building when it is left unattended. You should consider putting up signs advising that no cash is left on the premises overnight - such signage is widely available on the internet.

"Police will continue to offer advice in relation to security or preventative measures in relation to these recent incidents and would encourage anyone seeking support to get in touch.

"Again we encourage the local community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to Police Scotland via 101, using reference NJ2797/18 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."