WHEN Lynda Hulcoop went into her local Sainsbury’s to exchange money, she was looking forward to visiting Zimbabwe for a church project.

However, as she left the store, two women stole £7,500 from her bag without her even noticing.

As she told The Argus, if it had been her money she would have felt better about it.

But the cash had been raised by her generous parishioners through countless coffee mornings, cake sales and collections.

Hundreds of people had given to those less fortunate.

Those who stole the money perhaps did not know what it was intended for – not that it makes their actions any less despicable.

But maybe they will return their ill-gotten gains after reading that the money was destined for some of poorest people in Africa.

Whatever they do, Miss Hulcoop’s experience must serve as a warning to others.

Police are still carrying out their investigations but it appears that the two women in the CCTV were listening as she changed her money.

They then followed her before one barged into her. It was at this point that the money was taken.

People need to be vigilant when getting money out. It is clear that criminals are on the lookout for any opportunity to make their move.

If one good thing is to come from this story, it is highlighting the fantastic work churches such as that of Miss Hulcoop are doing for those in Africa.

We are living in austere times but still people in our city are willing to give generously for others around the world.