£60,000 organ stolen from Scottish church

An organ worth £60,000 has been stolen from St Andrew's Episcopal Church in Lanarkshire, Scotland last week.

Police report that two men took the organ, which is approximately 5ft high and 5ft wide, between 2pm and 6pm on Tuesday 25 September.

It is believed the men were driving a white van, which was seen parked in the church driveway before the dark oak-coloured three-tier organ was taken.

Witnesses have been urged to come forward by detectives, who said that the organ may have been damaged while being removed.

According to officers, the van involved may have blue numbers written on the side, which could be a phone number for the Glasgow area.

Det Con David Boyd, of Hamilton CID, said: "This is a highly unusual theft as the organ itself would only really be suitable for use in a church.

"Due to the sheer size and weight of the organ I am confident that anyone who was in the vicinity of the church between 1400 and 1800 hours may well have seen something.

"I would therefore urge anyone who has any information into the whereabouts of the organ or any information in relation to contact Hamilton police station or Crimestoppers."

One of the suspects has been described as a 30-35 year-old male with dark curly hair, and was seen wearing a yellow T-shirt at the time of the theft.

A number of churches across Britain have come under attack from thieves who have stolen roofing, spires and even a church bell from vulnerable church buildings that have proven easy targets.