Church theft

POLICE are appealing for witnesses after thieves broke into the Hamnavoe Church in Burravoe and stole a collection box.

The incident, believed to have taken place between 2pm on Wednesday and 10.30am on Thursday, is the second break-in to have occurred in Yell this week.

It took place over the same time period as the theft of a large sum of money from plant hire and haulage firm Victor Jamieson Ltd – the latest in a series of break-ins targeting local businesses.

Police said the culprits stole the cash collection box and money from the Burravoe church, with items from the theft later recovered on the single track West Sandwick loop road.

A spokesman for Lerwick police said: “Both crimes are particularly selfish acts as it is the hardworking local community which is being targeted.”

Officers are keen to speak to anyone with knowledge of the incident, or who “saw any persons or vehicles acting suspiciously in the areas described”.

Police investigations into thefts from garage businesses in Hamnavoe and Ollaberry over Christmas are ongoing and no arrests have been made.

* Anyone with information can contact Police Scotland by dialling 101.