Condemnation after second church attack

Condemnation after second church attack

20 June 2018

HEARTLESS thieves have targeted a local church for the second time in a month.

Thieves forced their way into Christ Church in Kilmore on Monday of last week and caused “extensive damage” to the building and adjoining church hall, as well as stealing items from a foodbank destined for local families.

Last month, church officials were left with a hefty repair bill after part of a window at the side of the property was removed by burglars to gain access. Once inside, they prised open a safe in an apparent hunt for money. 

While communion cups were removed from the safe, church officials reported nothing had been stolen.

During the most recent incident, the church’s foodbank was the primary target for the thieves who stole a number of items destined to help local families and individuals in need.

On the church’s Facebook page, the rector, the Rev Stephen Smyth, said it was with “great sadness that we must report that we have experienced another burglary”.

He continued: “It would appear that our foodbank was the primary focus of attention. This is a huge blow, especially as we are only just recovering from our first burglary a little under a month ago. 

“It is an incredible irony that people would break in and steal food when we are quite prepared to give it away to anyone in need. Our foodbank has been running for four years and we would not have been able to provide over 300 emergency food parcels last year without the support of individuals, local churches and community organisations.”

Mr Smyth added: “We would like to take the opportunity to express our grateful thanks to everyone who has supported our ministry and for their prayers, concerns and well wishes at this time.”

Rowallane councillors Terry Andrews and Billy Walker have condemned those responsible for the latest theft and said it beggared belief that there were those who would steal items from a foodbank.

“How low will people go?” asked Cllr Andrews.  “This is the second time in a month that this church has been targeted and what happened is truly shocking. Those responsible will rightly be condemned and I would urge people who may be able to help police with their enquiries to get in touch.

“Church property deserves respect and it is alarming that we appear to have a roving gang targeting buildings in rural areas. Christ Church is at the heart of the community and what happened last week is an attack on the community.

“People have been very generous supporting the foodbank which has helped many families who find themselves in particularly difficult circumstances through no fault of their own.

“The foodbank provides support for all and that’s what makes this theft so sickening. It does not matter who you are or what you are, the foodbank will help.”

Cllr Andrews added: “Words cannot adequately describe the contempt many people will have for those responsible for this crime which has left church officials with another repair bill. This was a mindless incident and, in my book, represents one of the lowest forms of depravity.”

Cllr Walker said the thoughts of many will be with the Kilmore congregation at this time and hoped the volunteers who run the foodbank will continue with the excellent job they do.

He added: “Church property is sacrosanct, deserves respect and should not be targeted in such a callous way. It would not surprise me at all that those responsible for the first incident returned to Kilmore on Monday of last week.”

Police investigating last week’s incident are keen to hear from anyone who can assist them with their enquiries and want anyone who may have noticed any suspicious activity in the Church Road area either in the evening of June 10 or early the following day to get in touch.

Anyone who believes they can assist is asked to contact police on the non-emergency 101 number, while information can also be provided anonymously using the independent Crimestoppers number, 0800 555 111.