Community / Dunrossness church thankful for support after break-ins but says door is open to vandals
THE DUNROSSNESS Baptist Church says it is grateful for the support it has received after it was broken into and vandalised – but its team has opened its doors to the perpetrator(s) so “we can get to know each other better”.
Police launched an appeal for information this week after the south mainland church was broken into at some point between 7.30pm on Sunday and 11am on Monday.
The emergency door window was smashed to gain entry into the building, while a mirror from the disabled toilet was also broken.
There was also a bit of “mess” made and items moved around, but nothing was stolen – apart from three bits of shortbread taken from a biscuit box.
In addition, a second forced entry took place the following night but nothing was stolen.
However, the church said it still “loved” whoever broke in and caused the damage – adding that it was sorry it wasn’t open at the time of the incident.
“Some of you will have already heard that we’ve had some windows broken and some mess made in our church building this week,” it said on Wednesday night in an unattributed statement.
“Understandably people have been upset by this and we’re very grateful for the concern and support we’ve been shown by the community. We don’t know who caused the damage or why, but we do know that we love them.
“We’re sad that the church wasn’t open and we weren’t there when you came past but we’d love to have you back any time when we are there so we can get to know each other better – we’ve got plenty more shortbread!”
The church added that the building is open at 11am and 6pm every Sunday and at 7.30pm on Wednesdays, with a community cafe and youth club also occasionally taking place.
Anyone with information regarding the break-in, meanwhile, is encouraged to contact the police on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online.
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