THIEVES TARGET CHURCH-GOERS
THIEVES who targeted church-goers in Ballyward at the weekend have been branded "despicable".
Three cars, which were parked on the road outside St Mary's Catholic Church, Dechomet, were broken into during Saturday evening mass on August 14.
Items including money, purses, and a mobile phone were stolen by the thieves, who are believed to have travelled from outside the area.
Aisling McArdle, from Katesbridge, said she couldn't believe it when she saw that her passenger window had been broken and her handbag stolen.
"These people have must have no feelings at all - to deliberately target people going to mass on a Saturday evening," said the 26-year-old support worker. "It's just unbelievable.
"I was in my car and had the key in the ignition when I noticed a woman standing staring at me. It was only then I noticed the broken glass on the passenger seat and my handbag gone.
"Every week I put my bag in the boot but this week I forgot and now I've had to cancel all my cards. It's such a hassle."
Ms McArdle said she believes thieves are now travelling to churches and wakes because they are seen as easy targets. "To think that these people are probably scanning the papers and internet to find out when cars might be left unattended is just disgraceful," she said.
"I've heard of them going to wakes and churches before but you just don't think it's going to happen in your local area."
Local councillor Seamus Doyle was also targeted in the incident, during which he had a phone and a pair of sunglasses stolen from his car which was parked on the Rathfriland Road near the church.
despicable
"To do something like this is just despicable," said the SDLP councillor. "I would urge anyone with any information to contact the police and hopefully they can catch the culprits."
The PSNI can be contacted on 0845 600 8000 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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