Thief steals from Heywood church

Image of a man police want to speak in connection with Heywood church robbery.

A thief stole a CD player from a Heywood church and police have now released a picture of a man they want to speak to in connection with the burglary.

The thief stole the CD player, worth £200, from next to the altar at St Josephs Presbytery on Mary Street at about 4.50pm on 1 November.

Police are now appealing to anyone who has information, or who recognises the man in the picture, to come forward.

Police Constable Gareth Steward, from the Heywood Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This man must be pretty desperate if he has to resort to stealing a CD player from a church.

"This theft has deprived a lot of people in the community and has left everyone associated with the church very upset, so we need to find this man and bring him to justice.

"Thankfully, callous thefts like this are very rare in our communities and this is an isolated incident which comes down to the desperation of one man. However, with Christmas soon upon us I would urge people to make sure their doors and windows are locked at all times so criminals are not given an easy ride.

"I would ask that if anyone does recognise this man, please call police."

Anyone with information should call the Heywood Partnership at Greater Manchester Police on 0161 856 4619 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.