Cash stolen as ‘increase in thefts at places of worship’ across Donegal

Cash was stolen from the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Killea.

The incident happened on Tuesday, May 21 between the hours of 8.30am and 6.15pm.  The Church was open between those hours and at some stage the wooden leaflet stand and donations box which was located in the entrance hallway was damaged and the cash inside was stolen from it.

“If anybody observed any suspicious activity in the area of the Church between those times, we ask them to make contact with Gardaí in Letterkenny on 074-9167100,” a Garda spokesperson said.  “The cash stolen is believed to have comprised of coins and so we also appeal to nearby businesses to alert Gardaí if they recall anybody calling on that date with a lot of coins to spend or if they were requested to change coins to notes. 

“We have noticed a rise in recent weeks in reports of crimes being committed on Church grounds. There has been an increase in the occurrences of thefts and burglaries at places of worship across the county. 

“Should any members of the Clergy or parish committees wish to update the security measures at their Church or seek advice in relation to security measures, they may contact Sgt Fergus Mc Groary (Divisional Crime Prevention Officer) at Letterkenny Garda Station on 074-9167100 and he will be happy to assist.”