POLICE are investigating after money was stolen from a church collection box while another was damaged in similar raids.

St Michael & All Angels Church in Poulton was broken into between 12pm and 2pm last Wednesday (March 15) and Thursday (16) and a charity box was ripped from the wall.

In a similar incident on Monday (March 20), St Mary’s Church in Bibury was broken into and the collection box was damaged though nothing was stolen.

Inspector Karen Ellis of Cotswold Police said: “The same type of method was used in both. They’ve used a screwdriver.”

She said in the Poulton incident, the front panel was ripped off the box, which is attached to the wall, and thieves have taken the money inside.

In the Bibury incident, the offenders “damaged” the box but “haven’t managed to take any money”.

“They’ve attempted to lever it off the wall,” she said.

Police have reminded residents to be alert to any suspicious behaviour or individuals seen in the area.

Insp Ellis said: “It’s just a shame. Churches are open to everyone and it’s sad when this happens. They’ve abused the trust.

“The boxes are for people to donate to the church. It isn’t much money in there and is emptied daily.”