A HEARTLESS thief broke into a Paisley church to steal a collection box containing £50 - causing £5,000 of damage in the process.

Father Oliver Freney, of St Mirin’s Cathedral, was horrified to discover the crook had targeted a cash box containing donations left by people lighting a candle in memory of loved ones.

Expensive candelabras attached to the box were damaged during the theft.

The box, which is used to collect donated coins to light a candle, is attached to a large unit surrounded by the lights.

In order to take the box, the entire area was pulled apart and the candelabras were destroyed, which will lead to thousands of pounds worth of repairs.

Father Freney said: “People that attend the church are in a fortunate position that means that they can pop in and pray during the day when they wish.

“However, someone took advantage of this kindness by vandalising the candelabras and stole the church collection.

“It had been emptied on the Sunday so there wouldn’t have had any more than £50 in it however the damage to church property is amounting to up to £6000.

“The candelabras have been completely ruined so we won’t be able to use them and the unit has been torn apart.

“Usually we leave the church open for people to pray, however we will need to reconsider this now.

“I’d prefer not to do it but action has to be taken and I don’t think people will allowed to pop into the church for a prayer now.”

The incident happened on Monday afternoon between 2pm and 6pm at the Cathedral Precincts in Incle Street.

Members of the church have been left devastated by the incident however Father Freney hopes that the community can work together to overcome the issue.

He said: “When I first saw what had happened I was very upset and the people who attend the church are devastated.

“There are some very kind folk out there though so I hope that we can repair the church soon.

“It is a minor inconvenience to us though. I feel more sorry for the person who felt the need to do this.”

As the incident happened during the day, officers hope that someone who may have information will get in touch.

Tracy Harkins, who is based at Paisley police station, said: “We received a report from the priest that St Mirin’s Cathedral had been robbed.

“The incident is thought to have happened on Monday, December 5 between 2pm and 6pm.

“A person walked into the cathedral, which can be accessed by the public, and took the collection box attached to the prayer candles.

“The coins donated are so people can light a candle, so there wasn’t a lot of money in it.

“After removing the box from the front of the unit, £5,000 worth of damage has been caused as a result.

“They’ve managed to take the money box but have caused a considerable amount of wreckage in doing so.

“Could anyone with information please get in touch via 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”