A Glasgow church has asked its congregation to be 'extra vigilant' over Christmas after a thief pretending to be a Good Samaritan stole a woman's bag.
The thief struck on Friday afternoon while a group was using Knightswood Congregational Church for an event. The man, who was wearing a mask and hoodie, claimed to be helping to tidy up.
He was caught on CCTV taking a black bag of a bin and clearing some rubbish away before swiping the bag from underneath the table.
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The church said they were 'devastated' by the blatant theft and said he had 'spoiled Christmas' for the victim and her family.
Ahead of a busy weekend of Christmas services, the minister has urged anyone attending the church to be 'vigilant' with their possessions. Taking to social media, they said: "Please be careful when using or attending our church, if you’re a hall let, and you don’t know who the person is apply caution and challenge by asking them who they are. It might mean you challenge me if you’ve not met me and I’m on the premises, but I’d rather reassure people than have them using our hall and wondering who the stranger is.
"This Saturday night is our Christmas Eve service, and we ask all those who are coming to be extra vigilant with their bags and belongings, a church service is not immune to those who have different motives.
"Be safe, be careful and enjoy the festivities but be alert."
Police have confirmed they are investigating the theft.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: “We received a report of a theft from a church in Dunterlie Avenue, Glasgow, on Friday, December 16, that happened around 3.30pm.
“Enquiries are ongoing.”
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