Callous thief steals children's toys

Items included children’s toys, a tv, loose change from the charity box, a machine that plays hymns and a loop system with CD receiver, which helps the hard of hearing listen to hymns

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A callous thief stole toys bought for children at Christmas from a church in Rochdale.

Sometime between 1pm on Monday 10 August and 10am on Tuesday 11 August 2015, a number of items were taken from inside Castleton Moor Methodist Church, Manchester Road.

Items included children’s toys, a tv, loose change from the charity box, a machine that plays hymns and a loop system with CD receiver, which helps the hard of hearing listen to hymns.

Detective Constable Michelle Farmer said: “From what we believe, it is likely the offender walked into the church while a community group were inside before hiding until the church closed.

“The technology stolen is unique to churches so will be of no use to the offender whatsoever. I cannot believe they stooped so low as to steal toys that were meant for children this Christmas.

“I would ask anyone to contact police if they believed they saw someone acting suspiciously in the area or have been approached by someone selling the items.”

Anyone with information should phone police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.