A parish priest has said that the thieves behind two separate robberies of a donation money box from a chapel in Co Tyrone have “only let themselves down”.
A small sum of cash was taken from the donation box at the Catholic church in Clonoe on Saturday morning in what is understood to have been the second robbery targeted at the chapel in the last week.
It’s understood the robbery of the church funds took place around 10am on Saturday morning.
Police say they have not yet received a report in relation to the most recent theft, but that a separate report was made in relation to a similar incident at the chapel outside Coalisland last Sunday.
Canon Benny Fee of Clonoe parish told the Irish News that the thefts have been particularly disappointing, considering the time of year in which they have taken place.
The parish priest also delivered a direct message to those responsible for the crimes.
“It could be a coincidence or it could be more, I don’t know,” Canon Fee said.
“There wouldn’t be a lot in the box to be honest, so it’s hard to know how much has been taken.
“But it’s the stealing from the people and their generosity towards the parish which is disappointing.
“Who they are or where they came from nobody knows.
“The people who took it, they are letting themselves down. There are many more things that are more important in life than money.
“What’s really important in life is your own integrity and your own dignity.
“You’ve only let yourself down, you’ve stolen from yourself, from how you were reared and how your parents and grandparents. You’ve betrayed your own trust above all in yourself.”
SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn described the theft of money from the chapel in the lead up to Christmas as “disgraceful”.
“Absolutely disgusted by the robbery at Clonoe Chapel this morning,” Cllr Quinn said.
“A donation box was broken into and money stolen — money given in good faith by people of the parish.
“To target the chapel, literally at the mouth of Christmas is shameful. This wasn’t a victimless crime, it was a robbery of the community.
“Anyone with information should do the right thing and come forward or leave the money back.”
Regarding last Sunday’s theft, the PSNI say they are appealing for witnesses.
“Police received a report of theft from a church in Clonoe on Sunday, 14th December.
“It was reported that a box containing charitable donations was stolen from the main entrance area of the church, in the Mountjoy Road area. “We would appeal to anyone with information to contact police on 101, quoting reference 1103 14/12/25.”