Stolen Christmas tree was set aside for church

A choice Christmas tree, set aside for a church, was stolen Thursday, RCMP in Southey, Sask., say.

The bold noon-hour theft happened at the Co-op gas bar. RCMP said the Loon Creek Co-op in Southey uses a compound behind the gas station to hold equipment and supplies, as well as seasonal items such as Christmas trees.

RCMP said the compound was well stocked and several trees were set aside for non-profit groups and a church.

The thieves grabbed one of the finest trees in the compound almost three metres tall which was supposed to go to the Lutheran Church, and took off. RCMP said nothing else was taken.

The compound was locked, they added. Because it was the lunch break, fewer staff were available to keep a watch on things.

RCMP said more than one person broke into the compound.

Southey is about 60 kilometres north of Regina.

RCMP from the Southey and Strasbourg detachments are asking anyone with information about the stolen Christmas tree to contact them or call Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).