Friday, June 07, 2024

Parochial house targeted for second time in a week as Gardaí warn of rise in crimes on church grounds

A parochial house in Donegal has been targeted for the second time in a week as gardaí reiterate their concern over of a rise in crimes being committed on church grounds.

Gardaí are investigating an incident of criminal damage that occurred at the Parochial House at St. Joseph’s Church in Rathmullan on Sunday, June 2 between 12pm and 6pm.

The lock on the back door of the Parochial House was damaged between those times.

Entry was not gained.

This incident comes just one week after a burglary was reported at the parochial house on May 22, 2024.

If anybody observed any suspicious activity around the Church grounds or in the area of the Parochial House on that date, gardaí ask them to make contact with Gardaí in Milford on 074-9153060.

This incident is the latest in a number of reports of crimes being carried out on church grounds over the past few weeks and gardaí have said there has been an increase in the occurrences of thefts and burglaries at places of worship across the county.

A spokesperson said, “Should anybody ever observe any suspicious activity in or around Churches or graveyards then we ask them to make contact with Gardaí immediately.

“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.”