The most affected parishes were in the South, North and Western regions. Ken Allen the archdeacon of Western Sydney says at least seven parishes were robbed in the West recently while Robert Forsyth the Bishop of South Sydney says a sophisticated operation is targeting churches across his entire region where: “This has the marks of a gang, it seems to be so deliberate and so focused. This isn’t just kids looking for a bit of money.”
Terry Dein the Archdeacon from the Northern Region says at least four parishes have been robbed and churches need to step up their security where: “Security is a huge problem in parishes. Churches are pretty dark places. If you look hard enough you’ll find a window unlocked.”
17 insurance claims is being processed by the Diocesan Secretariat. Further St Andrew’s, Lane Cove has been burgled three times in four weeks with a safe, data projector and sound equipment stolen. Rector Roger Kay says the church is $5,500 out of pocket. He added: “It’s a lot of money in a not very big church. It hurts. Everyone feels violated.”
Peter Taylor the Senior Constable from Chatswood Police says money, electrical equipment and ceremonial items were the most common items stolen where the police are advising churches to explore security options such as deadlocks, closed circuit TV cameras and even security guards.