A DUNDEE minister has spoken of his disgust after “ignorant and selfish” thieves targeted his church.

Contractors returned to St Peter’s Free Church on Perth Road, which is undergoing a £1 million refurbishment, on Monday morning to find that lead had been stolen from the roof.

The Rev David Robertson said the theft had caused several thousand pounds worth of damage.

He said it was fortunate that this probably would not have too great an effect on the church’s reopening, scheduled for the weekend of November 28.

He said, “It’s just frustrating that this has happened when we are so close to opening again.

“The thieves obviously knew that the lead was worth something so they climbed on to the roof and stole it.

“However, the damage this has done to the roof of the church is going to cost much more than they would be able to sell the lead for on the black market.

“We’ll be covered by insurance but it might put our premiums up.

“We’re going to have to be quite careful in future and might have to look at installing CCTV cameras.

“Perhaps they don’t realise that every extra penny spent on repairs, extra security and insurance is money that can no longer be spent on the community or the poor that we try to support in different areas.”

Mr Robertson added that he would be grateful if people remained vigilant when close to the church.

He said, “I would appreciate it if members of the public could act as a sort of ‘neighbourhood watch’ and report anything suspicious either to myself or the police.”

The church has been closed for the past nine months as Dundee firm Browns has been working on its refurbishment.

It is hoped that the building will be used as a focal point for the West End community as well as a place of worship for its congregation.

Mr Robertson added, “We do a lot of youth work and that is why we have spent so much money in making the church into an outstanding modern facility which, whilst retaining the historic element, is suitable for 21st century use.”

A police spokesperson confirmed that officers had been made aware of a theft from St Peter’s Free Church on Perth Road, at the junction with St Peter’s Street, around 1.15pm on Sunday.