http://www.navhindtimes.com/stories.php?part=news&Story_ID=021512
Cops fail to detect theft cases in chapels NT News Service Margao Feb 14: The police have failed to detect major theft cases reported in the recent past within the jurisdiction of Margao sub-division. A theft took place in a chapel at Colva recently, but the police are yet to detect the case. They have registered an offence and interrogated some persons. In September last, two thefts were reported — at Fatorda and Palmagrande-Chinchinim chapels — in which nine statues costing over a lakh were stolen. Taking cognizance of the thefts, the police constituted a team to achieve the breakthrough. According to the sources in police, statues were stolen from chapels at Colva, Navelim, Benaulim, Loutolim and other places. The police said that night patrolling in the district has been intensified. The South Goa SP, Mr Shekhar Prabhudesai has also held a meeting of officers and guided them. It may be recalled that some unknown person effected entry into the chapel at Madda-Palmagrande-Chinchinim last year and decamped with wooden and ivory statues worth Rs 90,000. In all seven statues were stolen, it was told. The police had interrogated some persons in connection with thefts but no recovery was made. Sources also informed that a theft took place at the chapel of Our Lady of Sorrow between the intervening night of September 15 and 16, 2005. The thieves entered inside chapel opening the roof tiles. The Cuncolim police team visited the place and conducted the panchanama. A finger print expert besides the dog squad was pressed into service, however, no vital clue was obtained. The police have registered an offence under Sections 457 and 380 of the IPC. Some unknown persons had effected entry into a chapel at Fatorda last year and decamped with two statues worth Rs 25,000. The Margao police registered the offence against unknown person following a complaint from Parish Priest. -- Peace be with you! Gabe Menezes. London, England