On August 19, unknown perpetrators stole an organ from St. Mary's Church, which was open 24/7. Taking advantage of this fact, church employees suspect the theft had been planned in advance, also considering the organ weighs around 50 kg, requiring at least two people to carry it, as well as an adequate vehicle to transport it in. The damage is estimated to amount to around 5,000 euros. The police were alerted and started an investigation into the occurrence.
Organist Michael Weigertm, the victims of the offence are not only the congregation but also the people from the region around Zahna who want to visit the church to pray and will now be left in front of closed doors.
A few weeks later, however, the vicar decided that St Mary's Church should again be opened: "We've done a bit of rearranging and made sure that all movable objects are better secured," says vicar Judith Kölling.
Organist Michael Weigert appealed to the thieves to bring back the stolen instrument as the church congregation needs it.