OVER the past two weeks, there have been numerous thefts reported at local churches — including Morwenstow and St Gennys.

The collection boxes have been forced open and donations within stolen, and this would have normally been used for the upkeep of the church buildings.

Bude Rural Beat Manager PC Gary Luxton said: "This totally despicable crime must be stopped and the offender/s arrested and dealt with. Unfortu­nately due to various reasons more people are demonstrating a total disregard for the normal members of society and are willing to steal from the church. I would ask for any information in relation to this matter to come directly to me so I can deal with it directly."

Anyone with information regarding the thefts, is asked to contact PC Luxton at Bude Police Station on 01288 357502 or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected].