TARGET… The car park at the Graan in Enniskillen
UNSCRUPULOUS car thieves, who pounce when their owners are at Mass, have again targeted the Graan chapel, and got away with handbags.
It was the second time the thieves have struck, this time during 4pm Mass last Sunday.
A PSNI spokesman confirmed that police are investigating following thefts from two cars at premises in the Derrygonnelly Road area of Enniskillen.
Inspector Rory Hoy said: “Two vehicles were broken into on November 30th. Windows were smashed and handbags were stolen.
“Anyone who can help Police is asked to call the 101 number, quoting reference number 889301114. Alternatively, they call the confidential Crimestoppers number on 0800 555 111.”
The Graan was first visited by thieves during vigil (6.30pm) Mass on Saturday, 15th November. On that occasion the front passenger side window of a vehicle was smashed and a handbag stolen from inside.
The superior of the Graan, Fr Brian D’Arcy, who was clearly shocked at the temerity of those responsible, warned Mass goers against leaving anything inside their vehicles.
His warning was carried in the week-end’s Graan bulletin and, it is believed that the owner of one of the vehicles interfered with had just sat down and read the warning when he hurried outside to check.
In the space of those five minutes, his car and a second car parked beside it at the grotto had been broken into and the handbags stolen.
One Massgoer, who asked not to be identified, was in no doubt that the people arriving for Mass are observed by would-be thieves.
“They see people who seem to be reasonably well off but, what I would ask is: ‘what’s wrong with these people who leave their handbags in the cars for the whole world to see?
“Things have now reached the stage where people attending Mass will be asked by the priest, ‘have you left anything in your car that can be seen?’, that, people’s vigilance and an increased police presence are about the only thing that can put a stop to this carry-on.”
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