Burglars smash stained glass window in raid on church safe

Burglars smash stained glass window in raid on church safe

23 May 2018

CHURCH officials in Kilmore have been left with a repair bill after burglars targeted the rural building last weekend.

Part of a window at the side of Christ Church Kilmore was removed by the burglars to gain access and once inside they prised open a safe in an apparent hunt for money.

While communion cups were removed from the safe as it was searched, church officials have reported that nothing was stolen during the incident which is believed to have happened between 10pm last Friday evening and 10am the following morning.

It appears that after an attempt to open a small PVC window failed, the burglars turned attention to the larger window at the side of the church, removing a section at the bottom.

News of the incident was confirmed on the church’s Facebook page which reported that “unfortunately,” the property was subjected to a burglary. 

The social media post confirmed nothing was taken and that following the incident, the church’s pastoral team “met, prayed for and forgiven the people involved and prayed for God’s blessing on them.”

The post added: “If you would like to support us as a parish at this time, please pray for us and please pray for God’s blessing on the people involved.”

Rowallane councillors Terry Andrews and Billy Walker have condemned those responsible for the incident.

They say church property is sacrosanct and for it to be targeted in this manner is “nothing short of despicable.”

Cllr Andrews said it was “morally wrong” to target church property and had no doubt the burglary will be widely condemned.

He added: “This is an attack on the local community and my thoughts are with the church rector and the congregation at this time. I hope they will be able to repair the damage caused by the burglars and know what happened will not detract them from their worship.”

Cllr Walker described the incident as “shocking” and said many will be concerned that a church very much at the heart of a quiet rural area was singled out by burglars.

“A lot of damage was caused to the property which will have to be paid for. Church property must be respected and those who targeted the building had clearly no respect for the people who worship there,” he continued.

“Given the damage that was caused, the people responsible did not care about the consequences of their actions. I hope anyone who knows who may have been involved contacts the police so those responsible can be apprehended. This is important to ensure no other churches in our area or anywhere else for that matter are targeted.”

Police investigating the burglary have issued an appeal for information and are keen to hear from anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Church Road area between 10pm last Friday and 10am the following morning.

Anyone who believes they can assist is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number quoting reference 522 19/05/18. 

Information can also be provided anonymously using the independent Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.