Watch CBS News

Thieves Steal Safe, Chalices, Bibles From Watertown Church

WATERTOWN (CBS) – Police are looking for the thieves who broke into a Watertown church and stole a safe, chalices, Bibles, and blessing crosses.

It happened sometime Tuesday night or early Wednesday morning at the Taxiarchae/Archangels Greek Orthodox Church on Bigelow Avenue.

Police say the thieves broke in the boiler room door in the basement, went up to the church office and ransacked it. They believe the initial motivation may have been the church's 75 lb. safe, which was taken from the office.

Father Demetrios Tonias is astonished anyone would ever break into a holy building.

"People donate this in memory of Papul - their grandfather or Yaya - their grandmother or other family members," Fr.Tonias said.

He says many of the items in the church are old and carry a lot of sentimental value but may not be worth what the thief thinks they are.

"Some of these items are very old so the gold plating has worn off and things like that. It's not like it's a relic or anything like that," he said.

Lt. Michael Lawn of the Watertown Police says he's hoping someone saw something.

"We're looking at everything. It's a sign of the times. People are stealing everything," he said.

Anyone who may have seen anything suspicious is asked to call police at 617-972-6500.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Carl Stevens reports

Watertown Church Robbed

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.