A homeless man, repeatedly caught stealing from St Patrick’s Church in Corsham, will not be charged and has instead been offered help from the church.

The 42-year-old began taking money, candles and items donated to the food bank in August and continued over the space of a couple of months.

The church contacted police a few weeks ago, to say the thief had returned and taken more items.

Using CCTV footage, Corsham Neighbourhood Policing Team saw that the man went to the church every four days. Knowing that, they were able to approach him.

But Father John O’Brien decided he did not want the man to be prosecuted and arranged to provide him with clothing, temporary accommodation and employment.

However, the man has not returned to the church since he was apprehended.

PC Hazel Anderson said she wanted to reassure any parishioners worried about visiting the church that police have spoken to the man.