Victoria Police is investigating the alleged burglaries of ten Greek Orthodox churches in Melbourne’s city and suburbs over the Easter long weekend, the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese in Australia said in a statement on Monday.
The alleged burglaries took place in the parishes of Panagia Soumela at East Keilor, the Holy Trinity at Footscray, Saint Nicholas at Yarraville, Saint Haralambous Templestowe, Saint Paraskevi at St Albans, Saint Dimitrios Monee Ponds, The Presentation Of Our Lady To The Temple at North Balwyn, The Assumption of the Virgin in Altona, Saint Anargyroi at Oakleigh and the Greek Orthodox bookshop at the church of Axion Esti at Northcote.
The Archdiocese said the alleged burglaries happened when the churches were closed, “therefore the safety of the clergy or laity from the respective parishes was not endangered.”
However, CCTV obtained by Nine News shows a man allegedly stealing a donation bowl from a bench inside the entrance of the Saint Haralambous parish during a service on Saturday.
Nine reported the donation bowl contained $300, and a thief returned to the church to steal more money through the parish’s side entrance.
Victoria Police said officers were investigating this alleged burglary and are working to determine if the incident in Templestowe is linked to the other burglaries.
Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via their website.
