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Priest's appeal to thieves
June 01, 2009
A PARISH Priest has appealed to thieves who ripped a statue of the Risen Christ from a church wall to return it.
On May 23, the statue was removed from the wall at St Swithun’s Presbytery in Firgrove Road and left on the ground.
The statue was moved by members of the church to the back of the building but it was then stolen between 8.15pm and 9.30pm.
The day before, at around 11pm, someone had tried to break into a garage next to the church.
However, police said the person responsible was disturbed and ran off.
Part of the statue has since be found and returned to the church.
Disturbing
Parish Priest, Father Dominic Adeiza found out about the incident when a parishioner alerted him to the theft.
“I am particularly upset about this,” he said. This statue was donated to the parish by some women, members of the Union of Catholic Mothers. It’s a symbol of our faith.”
Father Adeiza said a villager had found part of it, a broken right arm and wrist, and brought it back.
“We want to appeal to them. If they still have the vandalised part please return it,” he said.
He said he is disturbed and upset.
“It’s disturbing in that you don’t know who’s lurking around.”
PC Philip Heath, of the Yateley targeted patrol team, said: “Members of the church are desperate to have the statue returned to them.
“This was a serious incident that has affected the whole community and we would ask anyone with information to contact police as soon as possible.”
The statue is of the Risen Christ and is around four feet tall, a maple wood colour, and is quite heavy because it is made out of glass fibres.
Cllr David Simpson said he was furious that thieves had taken the statue.
“It’s disgusting and despicable,” he said.
“Why steal a statue? It’s not worth anything except to the church.
“I hope that they find it quickly.”
Anyone with information about the incident should contact PC Heath at Yateley police station on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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