AN image of the Virgin Mary stolen from the Greek Orthodox church, Red Hill, has been found.
Mornington Peninsula CIU detectives were told two thieves entered the church, on Arthurs Seat Rd, around 3.50am Sunday (31 January).
CCTV footage shows them approaching a sealed glass box containing an icon of the Virgin Mary and gold jewellery.
After unsuccessfully trying to smash the glass, the thieves removed the case from the counter top, stealing the icon and assorted jewellery.
The case, Virgin Mary icon and other smaller pieces of jewellery were found, Thursday, on the side of White Hill Rd, Red Hill, not far from the church.
Police believe the items were dumped a few days before, but they say most of the jewellery stolen during the raid is still missing.
This is the second robbery at the church in 18 months.
In mid-2014, the glass covering the image was shattered by thieves who entered a side door on a Wednesday afternoon, but fled when The Rev Father Eleftherios Tatsis came into the church.
In that raid about $300,000 worth of gold chains, watches, coins and rings donated over almost 30 years, stolen. Much of the gold and jewellery lay scattered near the door as the thieves made their escape. The icon was left behind that time.
Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers, 1800 333 000, or to submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 9 February 2016
