Burglary may force me to lock doors of my church, says minister

Break-in: Rev David Cupples THE minister of a church targeted by thieves has said security will be reviewed and doors locked after the first crime at the building in 30 years.

“Locking doors is not something we want to do, we want to be open to everyone, but there is a lack of honour and respect now in our society that makes a church a target,” said the Rev David Cupples.

Enniskillen Presbyterian Church was targeted some time between Sunday and Thursday.

Thieves got into an office in the church hall, the Bridge Centre, forcing open a locked drawer and taking a cash box.

Police described the theft as “particularly shameful”.

It is one of a recent spate of burglaries of places of worship in the district.

Rev Cupples estimated around £50 was in the cash box.

The church uses the money for sundry items needed during the course of a day’s work.

While he said the amount was “insignificant” in terms of the overall turnover, Rev Cupples explained that it used money raised to pay for church running costs, with everything else going to good causes here and overseas.

“That is the type of person we are dealing with,” Rev Cupples added.

“They are totally disrespectful.

“In my 30 years at the church we have never had a break-in, theft or vandalism.

“What this has meant is that we are having to review our security.

“For instance, in our church hall we are having to lock the doors while meetings are going on and then people wanting in will have to ring a bell.

“A church should not have to lock its doors to anyone, it is not a message we want to send out, but it is a measure we are having to take.”

The clergyman urged anyone who may have seen something suspicious or who had information to contact the PSNI.

Police reiterated this, and added: “Or, indeed, if the thief gets a conscience, please contact Enniskillen police quoting Serial 265 of 11/01/18.”