Anger as church is the latest target in spate of burglaries in Keady

A PRESBYTERIAN minister has expressed his dismay after his church became the latest target in a series of burglaries blighting Keady.

This week’s break-in at Second Keady Presbyterian Church is the sixth incident in little over a month, and the second at a place of worship in the town.

Over the last few weeks St Patrick’s Catholic Church was targeted, followed by the Willowbank GP Surgery, St Francis of Assisi Primary School and a number of businesses and homes.

The latest break-in occurred last Sunday during a service.

Rev John Hutchinson, who is looking after the congregation while a new minister is being sought, said: “It is with a deep sense of dismay that we discovered that Second Keady had been broken into and money had been taken.

“What makes this even more regrettable is that it would appear the individual or those who broke in did so during worship on Sunday morning and hid themselves away until everyone had left the building.

“There has been a spate of break-ins in and around the Keady area, and we do not believe this to have been an act of sectarianism.

“We would just want the people of this community to be vigilant and try to prevent the like of this happening again.”

Ulster Unionist councillor Sam Nicholson said those responsible were “the lowest of the low”.

“Thankfully there has been no damage, but even so, for someone to break into a place

Second Keady Presbyterian Church on Davis Street in the town

of worship is despicable beyond belief.

“Obviously, as with the recent break-ins that we have seen in the town, these people are desperately looking for a certain thing, money, for whatever reason, be it alcohol or drugs.”

He urged an increased police presence in Keady.

“Hopefully, since we no longer have a police station in the town, this means that we

will see more patrols in the area,” he added.

SDLP councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said locals were very angry at what he called this “absolutely disgusting” incident.

He said: “There’s a lot of good things going on in this town right now, with young and old alike involved in many events from community, sporting, cultural and charity events.

“This is no stranger, and it needs nipped in the bud right away.

“I have had substantial discussions with the police this week and would expect to see an increased presence in the town.”

Sinn Fein councillor Darren McNally added: “There is a lot of anger in the community as this is the sixth break-in in little over a month.

“The actions of these criminals are painting the town of Keady in a very bad light.

“I’m calling on anyone who has information to come forward.

“As a community we need to unite and stand together to stop this behaviour.”

The PSNI said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the Davis Street area between these times and saw any suspicious activity, or anyone who knows anything about this, to contact police in Armagh on the non emergency number 101, quoting reference number 1190 of 15/08/18, or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”