A spate of thefts at churches throughout the county has led to volunteers forming a church security group to keep watch on carparks during Sunday mass and church services. From left, Tom McBrien, Fr Fintan McKiernan and Joe Brown outside Derrylin Chapel Picture: Ronan McGrade
To STOP the escalation of rural crime in the area a local parish has taken affirmative action to tackle thieves preying on Mass-goers’ cars.
Over 70 parishioners in Knockninny Parish, which includes St Ninnidh’s, Derrylin and St Mary’s, Teemore have volunteered to keep watch during church services to deter criminals. A church carpark supervision rota is now in place, with volunteer stewards in hi-vis vests, operating in pairs. Each pair has been allocated Saturday or Sunday duties to take them up to January 31, 2016 and beyond. They will not only keep watch during Mass, but also during weddings, funerals and other events in the two churches.
The need for action has come following a spate of incidents outside churches in Fermanagh during morning service over the past six months, including St Mary’s Church in Teemore.
Parish priest Fr Fintan McKiernan has been heartened by the reaction from the local community, who have taken a proactive approach following the thefts in the area.
“The reaction has been fantastic .We had no problem getting volunteers, none at all. We had to type them up in small print we had so many names and there’s still others keen to help.”
He continued:
“The people saw the need for it, it’s better to be safe than sorry rather than wait until there’s more damage done and then be left saying why didn’t we do it. To have it in place now we feel a lot more secure. It’s sad we’ve had to take this step, but we’ve needed to. Especially coming into the Christmas season.
“It’s to be a deterrent, not meant to be confrontational. They’ll be dressed in attire that’s clearly visible and they will be easily identified. What else can we do? A sign isn’t going to stop them.”
Up until two weeks ago the congregations of Teemore and Derrylin had received a helping hand from their Protestant neighbours, as members of the Church of Ireland in Derrylin kept watch during Mass. The ‘good Samaritan’ actions by the minister, Reverend Andrew Quill and his congregation have not been forgotten by Fr McKiernan and he admits they are forever indebted to their kind neighbours.
“We’re very grateful, it was a lovely gesture and it’s very much appreciated. A helping hand goes a long way. They are supportive and we feel we’re indebted to them and we owe them a favour in return down the line.”
John Boyle, one of the volunteers from Derrylin and a member of the Parish Pastoral Council hailed the “fantastic response” from the local people
“It’s about making sure people who go to Mass can do so, safe in the knowledge there is nothing untoward going on outside.”
When asked if he was concerned about a possible confrontation with thieves, Mr Boyle explained that the stewards were in place only to deter and not to engage.
“What we’re hoping what will happen if anyone does come and they’re not up to any good they will see the people walking around with the hi-vis jackets and that will deter them. It’s not anticipated there will be any confrontation, in fact people who are involved have been told to stay away from confrontation, just make yourself visible. If anything is happening stay away from it, don’t get involved.”
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