Sometime between 26th and 29th May, Stephanus Church in Leipzig was vandalised by unknown perpetrators, after breaking-in a side door with multiple security locks. Several pipes from the 19th century organ were ripped off, also damaging the instrument, though some of them have now been found by the police. The fence was also damaged during the break-in.
The total cost of the damage is expected to cross 100,000 euros. However, this is not the first incident in the same church. Last year, 27 organ pipes were stolen as well. “I have to let the events sink in first, I just can’t believe it,” Pastor Andreas Taut, shocked that the same incident had happened again. To quote the cantor Manuela Vorwergk from the parish, "I find it gruesome. For the thieves, it is certainly the pure material value that they are getting out of it. But for us, the organ naturally also has an ideal or religious value." A church bell was also found on the floor, though it was not taken.
Update: The perpetrator has been found and taken into custody. An arrest warrant has been issued for aggravated burglary.