Churches targeted by thieves – update

The Italian chapel damage, reported earlier, is part a spate of incidents across the Mainland in the past 24 hours, with another four attempted break-ins having come to light.

According to Kirkwall Police, three other churches were targeted — St Magnus Kirk, Birsay; St Peter’s Kirk, Sandwick and St Ninian’s Kirk, Deerness — as well as the Skara Brae Visitor Centre, Sandwick, where, around 11pm last night, the security alarms were triggered by someone attempting to force the doors.

The Italian Chapel incident occurred between noon and 10.10pm on Thursday. While damage was caused to a door, nothing was removed from the building.

Money was taken from the Birsay and Sandwick churches on Thursday afternoon and from St Ninians between 7.30pm on Thursday and 10am this morning, Friday.

Anyone with information or who witnessed any suspicious behaviour, people or vehicles over the last 24 hours, is asked to contact Kirkwall Police Station via 101.

Police are also urging the public to keep properties secure.