Shock and dismay after church burgled twice

Shock and dismay after church burgled twice

24 February 2021

POLICE are appealing for information after a church in Ballynahinch was burgled twice in the space of 24 hours.

The burglaries occurred at the New Testament Pentecostal on Friday and again on Saturday.

Police say the first break-in was reported shortly after midday on Friday, with the second reported at 6.20am on Saturday.

Police are working to establish what was taken in the two incidents and have issued an appeal for information.

Inspector Alastair Macdonald said: “Our enquiries are continuing, and I am appealing to anyone who has information about these incidents to call detectives.”

Strangford MP Jim Shannon condemned the attacks, which he described as “truly disgusting”.

He said the church was a “beacon of God’s work” and there to “uplift the gospel and to reach out to people”. 

He said it was “quite unbelievable” that anyone should attack the church.  

“I feel it is important I and others publicly confirm our support for the New Testament Evangelical Church and all good people also speak up and support this Church,” he remarked.

“If anyone knows anything then let the PSNI know immediately — no matter how small you may feel the information is it is important. Those responsible must know that the PSNI and the general public will not countenance such vile and illegal attacks on the church.

Strangford MLA Harry Harvey said he was “appalled by the news” and that he had spoken with the church minister, Pastor Timothy McIlwrath.

“I am really shocked and saddened to hear of two burglaries which occurred at the New Testament Pentecostal Church in Ballynahinch over the weekend,” he said.

“I have been able to speak to Pastor McIlwrath and a number of the church’s members and offer my support to them at this time.” 

“The PSNI are appealing for information in relation to this incident and I would ask anyone with any knowledge to come forward.”

He added: “Church should be a place of safety and security for all, and I find it despicable that such incidents have occurred .

“I wish the leadership and congregation of New Testament Pentecostal well as they continue to serve the needs of the Ballynahinch community.”