With Sunday here again and Christmas fast approaching, it’s timely to remind church-goers to never leave handbags or other valuables in cars.
Last Sunday (December 9) five cars were broken into outside churches in Blacklion on the Fermanagh border.
Items were taken from four of the five vehicles and some of the property was found at the roadside halfway between Belcoo and Enniskillen.
“It was probably thrown out of a car window. Maybe you saw what you thought was just a bit of littering that morning and didn’t think it worthwhile reporting? Or maybe you captured something, or someone, on dashcam?” said a police spokesperson.
In a bid to deter thieves, police will be upping their patrols around places of worship as a result, in conjunction with An Garda Siochana along the border.
And police are urging all parishioners and people who live close to churches to remain vigilant.
“Please report all suspicious activity promptly and please, please don’t leave valuables in vehicles. A small number of people are responsible for a large number of these types of incidents. If you can help with this investigation please contact us on 101 or AGS in Blacklion 00353 719853002,” added the police spokesperson.