By Conor Sharkey
CCTV is to be installed at a local parish church following a second wrecking spree in as many weeks.
Two antique doors were destroyed at the Church of the Immaculate Conception on Friday when vandals attempted to break in to the Parochial House. A weapon, believed to be a sledgehammer was used in the attack, however the would-be burglars are believed to have made off after being disturbed.
The incident comes just days after ten windows were smashed at the nearby St Pats Hall. The windows have since been replaced at a cost of £3,000.
Speaking on Monday, Parish Priest Fr Declan Boland said it was regrettable that he would have to review the security arrangements at the church.
"The doors that were damaged have been here for 130 years. They have survived two world wars and come through The Troubles unscathed. Then on Friday evening I came back to find that one of the panels had been smashed and the doors were bent out of shape. They will have to be replaced and it will cost money to find ones that are strong and that keep with the style of the building," Fr Boland said.
Turning to those behind the attack, the Parish Priest said that while was not angry, he was disappointed.
"I'm not angry that people would want to attack the parochial house but I am disappointed because essentially, this is an attack on the parish. I don't understand the mindset of those responsible and I am at a loss as to why anyone would do this. If they were looking for something, they could come and talk to me and we could sort something out.
"If this was carried out through clouded vision, in the cold light of day maybe those behind the attack will feel some remorse.
"Whatever happens, it appears to me that the days of decency, when a church was deemed sacred and left free from vandalism are gone.
"Because of that, I am going to have to upgrade security. I didn't want to introduce CCTV but I am being given little option. I am also putting in security lights which again will cost money. But in this day and age, you neglect security at your peril it would seem," Fr Boland added.
Police have urged anyone who saw suspicious activity in the area to contact Strabane station on 0845 600 8000 or the 'Crimestoppers' charity on 0800 555 111.
