POLICE have donated hundreds of pounds to a church minister while they hunt thieves who stole thousands from her.

Two women stole £7,500 worth of US dollars destined to help children in Africa from Reverend Lynda Hulcoop in Sainsbury’s in January.

Miss Hulcoop had raised the money with the help of her parishioners at Southwick Christian Community Church in Roman Crescent, Southwick.

Various fundraising events had been held including a church sale and the money was going to support schools in the African republic of Zimbabwe.

Prior to flying out to Africa she had taken the money to the bureau de change in the Sainsbury’s in Old Shoreham Road, Hove, at around 4pm on January 23.

The church group had to borrow money to replace the cash stolen for the trip to go ahead as planned.

Police are still searching for leads on the culprits and have made renewed attempts for anyone with information to come forward.

In the meantime, officers have donated £500 to the cause through Paraclete Christian Network International.

Police investigator Caroline McConnell said: “I am so pleased we were able to donate money to such a worthy cause and a hard working group of people.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to renew our initial appeal and ask anyone who recognises either of the women in the CCTV image to contact police.”

At the time of the incident Miss Hulcoop said: “Greedy people preying on others for their own gain have stolen money meant for children and families in desperate need in a country on the verge of collapse.

“The whole community who gave so generously feels the offence very keenly.

“I would love to talk to them one day and look them in the eye and see if they have got any conscience about what they have done.

“I’m a Christian so I want them to change their behaviour.”

When presented with the police cheque she said: “I am extremely grateful to Sussex Police for their generosity and overall support throughout the investigation.

“Due to the police’s initial appeal for information following the theft we’ve had donations from people from all walks of life and managed to recuperate more than what was stolen.

“We are extremely thankful.”

The money comes from the Police Property Act Fund, made up of funds received by the police from property confiscated by court order and then sold.

Anyone who recognises either of the two women pictured behind Miss Hulcoop in the shop should call police on 101 quoting 1054 of 23/01.