Churches are targeted by criminals on the hunt for cash in bordering county

Churches nearby in Kilkenny have been targeted by a criminal in recent days and cash stolen.

The culprit forced a lock on a candle shrine money box and stole a small amount of money.

The theft took place at St Patrick's Church in Ballyraggett between 10.30am and 1pm on September 6.

A second theft from a church took place on the same date.  In this instance a male entered the empty church, Saint Lactain’s Church on Chapel St, Freshford at 11.45am. The culprit proceeded to attempt to force open a money box located at the

candle shrine and was disturbed and fled the scene on a bicycle.

Gardaí in Castlcomer appealing for any witnesses or information, particularly in relation to a male on a bicycle who may have been seen acting suspiciously outside either church between above times to contact them on (056) 444 0650