Andy Drozdziak
Parishioners at a Salford church have been left shocked by the thefts of important statues, one of which was sawn off by a portable electric saw.
Parishioners attending Mass at St Luke’s, Irlams o’th’ Height, Salford, which is part of Our Lady of Hope parish, were shocked to find that the statues in front of the church have been stolen.
Thieves escaped with statues of Jesus on a crucifix, with the crucifix sawn at the base, a kneeling figure of St Bernadette and a kneeling angel.
While the police are investigating the robbery, parishioners and neighbours are trying to piece together information which may be useful in recovering the statues.
The theft is believed to have occurred between 8.30pm on Sunday 21st January and 6am on Monday 22nd January.
Universe columnist Paul Ashton, who is the Parish Communications Officer at Our Lady of Hope, shared his, and the parishioners’, shock at the thefts.
“The parishioners are shocked that such a theft should happen to us,” he said.
“This is definitely a planned and professional theft as they came with a portable electric saw. You can see how clean most of the cut is on the photograph.”
Mr Ashton underlined the importance of the statues to the parish community.
“The statue of Jesus on the crucifix was originally in our old church and means so much to us. It is not just our parishioners but also our neighbours who find it unbelievable that we should be targeted in this way,” he said.
“It was clear that once the crucifix was sawn down that it was dragged to a vehicle in the car park. Neighbours have been very helpful with doorbell footage and it is hoped that someone may have CCTV or doorbell footage of the car park entrance between those times to see any vehicle used in the robbery.”
Parishioners and local people were quick to respond to the thefts and share their dismay at the news on social media. Writing on Facebook, Jez Raghallaigh called the thefts ‘absolutely heartbreaking. Disgraceful.’ Denise Hughes said it was ‘outrageous’, whilst Valerie Moran said it is ‘so sad.’
Paul Ashton urged anyone with relevant information to get in touch with the parish. He said: “We would ask anyone who is offered these statues to get in touch with us and we are grateful for any information that will help get these 3 statues returned to us.”
St Luke’s can be contacted on 0161 736 2696
Email: communications@ourladyofhope.org.uk