PANJIM: Unknown burglars took advantage of torrential rains to break into two churches located in the capital city of Panjim, and St Cruz.
While the crime has been captured on the CCTV cameras, the police suspect it could be the handiwork of one gang. The Panjim Immaculate Conception Church, frequented by the locals and visitors was targeted by thieves who broke into the Church office and another room in the late hours of Wednesday.
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“They broke the lock of lobby gate and glass of the office door. They also entered the refectory. Although, the miscreants opened the cupboards, there has been little cash loss by way of theft, owing to safe practices followed in general,” a Church official said.
The Church confirmed that all its priests are safe and that members of the Confraria, Trust and Councillor are involved in investigating the matter with the police.
Panjim Police sources said that around Rs 2,000 cash from the Church office and some more amount from the donation box have been stolen by the unknown accused.
While this investigation is underway, the Old Goa Police are probing into another theft at a St Cruz Church. However, the thieves had to return empty handed as no cash was kept in the office.
The local MLA and local police were soon informed about the incident by the Church authorities.
Around 16 CCTV cameras installed at different places in the Church are being examined by the police. Unknown thieves are clearly seen in the footage as both the Panjim and Old Goa Police will investigate if they are the same gang members.
It is further learnt that one of the accused identified in the CCTV footage had visited the St Cruz Church and conducted a recce.
A police official said that thefts are on the rise in the wake of incessant rainfall. “Every year in the rains thefts increase. In the present case we are probing if the same gang members are operating or more than one gang is involved in committing thefts. Surveillance has been intensified,” the police said. The investigation teams are also looking into previous thefts at religious places to zero in on suspects/accused.
