An unknown offender has vandalised the Catholic church of St John the Baptist in Neheim. The man destroyed a cross, broke off the head and arms of a figure of Jesus, knocked over candlesticks and tore and smeared tablecloths on the high altar. He also spilled liquids and scattered books on the floor.
Footage from the surveillance camera installed in the entrance area of the cathedral shows a man entering the church at around 10:45 a.m. He was dressed in black, visibly drunk and holding an orange balloon in his hand. The sexton noticed this at around 11:00 a.m.
Police Chief Inspector Michael Schemme: "The footage from the surveillance camera at the entrance also supports this.
The church was cleaned on Friday; the cross, on which the head and arms of the Christ figure were destroyed, was placed on the altar of the weekday chapel. Vicar Reddeker: "We pointed out this vandalism during the mass."
The vandalism has shocked the pastoral team and the parish community. A report has been filed.