Elders 'devastated' as church 'ransacked' during break in

The elders of a church in West Dunbartonshire say they are "devastated" after a four figure sum of money and food from a community pantry were stolen during a break-in.

The Church of Scotland Dalmuir Barclay Church, near Clydebank, was targeted in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

The community food pantry, which was set-up three years ago, has been forced to close on Thursday and Friday as a result.

Police Scotland said inquires were ongoing.

Church elder, Fiona Hennebry told BBC Radio Scotland's Drivetime programme she was "absolutely heartbroken" about the break-in and the impact it's had.

She said: "If someone had came and asked us, said they were struggling, we would have absolutely helped them, they didn't need to break in and do this to us."

Ms Hennebry said a safe was broken into and a four-figure sum of money which had been earmarked to pay for more food for the pantry was taken.

The vestry was broken into with a fire extinguisher and the minister, Reverend Steven Henderson's desk was "ransacked".

A summer holiday club for around 30 families has also had to be cancelled as a result of the break-in and six doors will have to be replaced due to the damage.

Police Scotland said they were investigating the break-in and have appealed for anyone with information about what happened, or the current whereabouts of the stolen items, to come forward.

Det Insp Pamela Grant said: "Break-ins and thefts like this are not victimless crimes. There's a financial loss of the stolen items and a cost to repair damage caused.

"However, some of the items taken cannot be replaced and this has an even bigger impact on those who attend the premises."