POLICE have urged people to 'shop' a thief who stole collection money during a church service.

Worshippers at other churches have been warned to be vigilant after the theft at St James Church Kirk, Church Street, Church.

The thief struck at 11.10am on Sunday in the middle of the morning service.

It is the fourth time the church has been targeted in seven weeks. Stained glass windows at the church were damaged after burglars forced their way in through them in three previous burglaries.

The collection box has also been broken into twice, with £40 stolen on each occasion.

Officers say the man involved in Sunday's theft was seen in the church by worshippers and recognised as someone who had attended the service the week before.

He sat at the back of the church facing away from the service and helped himself to several green envelopes used to collect donations from the congregation.

Councillor John Broadley, who is also a warden at the church, said: "He waited until people were giving greetings to each other and snatched envelopes containing money from the plate and ran out."

A member of the congregation tried to stop him leaving but he escaped, heading towards the canal in the direction of Rishton. It is thought the envelopes contained about £100 in cash.

Coun Broadley added: "This is a hard lesson and things will have to change yet again.

"You can't lock people in, so we will just have to take precautions and warn people to keep their eyes open.

"We have already put extra locks on doors and we will probably go as far as having an alarm installed. "Other churches must be warned to watch everything now and not put temptation in anybody's way. It can happen anywhere."

The offender was white, with a pale complexion, very slim, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins, with dark brown hair and a thin face. He was aged 18 to 20, wearing a grey zip-up jacket, cream-coloured jeans and dark trainers.

Inspector Phil Cottam, Accrington's police commander, said: "I would ask people to search their consciences and let us know if they know this man. This is another despicable crime committed in a place of worship and while people were worshipping."

Anyone with information should call PC Nathan Calton of Accrington police on 01254 353743.