A KELSO Reverend has hit back at theives who raided the town's church by telling them to "use the front door next time".

Rev Anna Rodwell, minister of Kelso North and Ednam North Parish Church has told the Border Telegraph of her shock following the break-in which was believed to have happened between Sunday night and Monday morning.

She said: “It was a shock to the person who discovered that the church had been broken into.

“But we are not standing here with long faces and wringing our hands because we do not keep substantial sums of money in the building, it was only petty cash that was stolen.

“We have had extremely kind and generous people contacting us and offering us support and money which is an indication that most care about the church.

“I would say to whoever is responsible for the break-in to please use the front door next time.

“I am not standing here in judgement and would really like to try and help a person desperate enough to break into a church and steal petty cash.”

Meanwhile Police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward with information.

Officers believe the break-in occurred at some point between 8.30pm on Sunday, February 19 and 8am on Monday, February 20 at the Bowmont Street Church.

A number of items were stolen including a cash box containing a three-figure sum of cash, a large quantity of second class stamps and a glass jar containing over 700 pennies which had been donated to the church as part of a fund raising event.

Damage has also been caused in the office to an internal door which will need to be replaced. 

Constable Craig Hood of Kelso Police Station said: “The church runs on a very tight budget and this incident has had a significant impact on available funds which would otherwise have gone towards the upkeep of the church and any local events that they participate in.  

“I would ask anyone with information in relation to any suspicious persons seen around the church during this time and in particular anyone seen exiting the building via the front door, to please get in touch.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact officers on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”