POLICE are warning people to be vigilant after a thief stole £100 from a Barnard Castle church using distraction techniques.
The man – described as having a stocky build, aged about 50, 5ft 8in, well dressed in dark clothing with a cagoule-style coat – took the money from St Mary’s Catholic Church in Barnard Castle on the morning of Monday, February 25. Police say he spoke with a southern Irish accent and they are concerned he may try to target vulnerable people in the community. Father Ian Grieves, who has taken over duties at St Mary’s since Father Walter Elkin’s retirement last year, said: “I’m very saddened that this has happened and we are looking at improving our security and we will have to look at being more vigilant. That someone should take and deceive is very saddening.”
Anyone with information or who believes they may have come across this man is asked to contact 101 and quote incident number DHM-25022019-0260.
