A CHURCH sacristan and his son have been praised for their brave attempts to intercept thieves caught breaking into a car using a hammer while its owner attended Mass on Sunday.

Police say they are investigating a spate of thefts across three churches as Sunday services were being conducted in each place of worship.

St Mary’s Church, Teemore, St Patrick’s Church of Ireland, Castle Archdale and St Lasir’s Church, Wheathill were all targeted in one felled swoop.

Two cars parked at Florencecourt Forest Park were also broken into.

It is understood the thieves’ Sunday morning booty includes mobile telephones, credit cards and cash.

Speaking to the Impartial Reporter on Tuesday this week, Father Benny Fitzpatrick, who was conducting the Mass at Wheathill, described how the church sacristan and his son interrupted the thieves as they were about to break into his car.

“I was conducting the Mass and I noticed someone running out of the church,” he explained, “Someone had tried to break into a lady’s car with a hammer and the car alarm went off.

“The sacristan ran out and these two fellas it seems were cutting the wires to stop the alarm.

“Just at that they were coming to my car.

“When the sacristan and his son shouted at them, they ran to their car and up the road they went.” Describing the break-in as ‘brazen’ Fr. Fitzpatrick said it was lucky no one had been hurt.

“The thought came to be afterwards: suppose someone had confronted them. Those boys had a hammer.

“That part of the road where the church is situated is a long stretch of road.

“For those fellas from come at 12 in the day and try and break into people’s cars during Mass”.

Sylvia Woods, a parishioner at Castle Archdale said the two car break-ins at her church had left everyone badly shaken.

“You go to church for one obvious reason -- you certainly don’t expect that kind of thing to happen.

“The two cars broken into belonged to two ladies.

“One had her handbag stolen with a phone and credit cards.

“The two cars weren’t even parked beside each other and one of them was a fairly new model.

“I understand that in many cars, if you don’t force open the car door -- the alarm won’t go off.

“Both women were very upset, understandably.” Rural Dean of Kesh, Reverend Alan Irwin, who is presiding in Castle Archdale during its vacancy, said church representatives would now have to keep regular checks on carparks and property during services.

“Sadly, words of condemnation have no effect on those who carry out these depraved acts of vandalism and theft,” he said.

“They have no regard for persons or property or of the physical and emotional wellbeing of those they have traumatised by their evil actions.

“Their only concerns are how much they can make and not being caught. It does not matter to them whether it is a place of worship or someone’s home or business. We can only appeal to the PSNI that this crime, carried out on parishioners of Castle Archdale who were attending their place of worship, is not just another statistic but one that has come to fruition in the successful apprehension of those who carried out this vandalism and theft. As a church, we would appeal to everyone to be vigilant in respect of persons and property and to leave nothing in sight of thieves and for church representatives to keep regular checks on carparks and property during services. Our thoughts and prayerful support continues to be with those who have been traumatised by these events.” Inspector Roy Robinson said police enquiries were ongoing.

“We understand the distress motorists feel when their vehicle is broken into and belongings taken. We understand that in many instances vehicles are secured and belongings are placed out of sight but it is perhaps worthwhile asking all motorists to ensure their vehicles are locked and that belongings hidden from view at all times. If you would like further advice on keeping yourself and your property safe, please contact your local crime prevention officer or on the 101 number. If you saw anything suspicious or can help with our enquiries please call the 101, quoting reference number 49919715. Alternatively information about crime can be passed via the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.” Meanwhile Kesh Free Presbyterian Church reported a break-in on its premises over the weekend.

According to Erne North councillor, David Mahon, thieves attempted to break into the church and managed to break through the boiler room door as well as force open two latches on a window.

It is understood nothing was taken in this incident.