Police hold watchman after vandals raid church

Daring thieves on Monday night vandalized two vehicles belonging to Kerwa Catholic Church in Kikuyu, Kiambu County.

The criminals are reported to have scaled a perimeter wall to gain access to the church, which also houses the parish priest, Father Vitalis Were.

Fr Were told the media the facility watchman called him at about 5am and informed him that the vehicles, a Toyota Vanguard and a Toyota RAV 4 had been vandalized.

“He called and told me that the vehicles have been vandalized and on checking I confirmed that indeed it was true. They stole head and back lights and many other crucial motor vehicle accessories,” he said. Parish Moderator George Waweru said theft of motor vehicle parts has increased in the area with vandals targeting Toyota Vanguard and Toyota RAV 4 models.

“Police should zero-in on second hand motor vehicle parts dealers in order to arrest the situation. In the last two months, more than five homes have been raided and vehicles vandalised,” he said.

The moderator called upon the police to heighten security in the area and also conduct surveillance patrols frequently in order to scare away thieves. Police are holding the watchman who is helping them with investigations in an effort to apprehend the culprits. 

“He will help us understand why he informed the church priest about the incident two hours after it happened. This is because CCTV cameras indicates that the theft took place at 2am and he raised an alarm at about 5am,” said a police source.