Police are appealing for information following the report of a burglary at a Church in the Dundalk Road area of Newtownahamilton.
Constable Tim Coombs Said: “It was reported that entry was gained to the property sometime between 8.30 pm on April 12th and 9.00 am on April 13th. The church was ransacked and a number of vacuum cleaners were taken. A stained glass window was also smashed during the incident.
“We would appeal to anyone who witnessed anything suspicious in the area, or anyone who may have seen someone walking near the church carrying tools or the stolen vacuum cleaners to contact police in Newtownahamilton on 101 quoting reference number 306 of 13/04/19.
“We would also be interested in any dashcam footage showing vehicles parked in the layby close to the church on the Dundalk Road.”
Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.
Slieve Gullion area Sinn Féin Councillor Barra Ó Muirí has said that the robbery at St. Michaels Church in Newtownhamilton was a “despicable act”.
The local Councillor added: “The Church has been ransacked, a stain glass window broken and items stolen.
This is extremely upsetting for not only parishioners but everyone.
An attack on St Michael’s is viewed by most as an attack on the whole community.”
The elected representative appealed for anyone with information to contact the PSNI, saying: “This is a despicable act. Those engaged in this type of criminal activity need to be apprehended and be brought before the Courts. Anyone with information should contact the PSNI immediately”.
