Community leaders spoke out Thursday against the wrongdoing and announced a boosted police presence at religious institutions across the borough.
The NYPD is enhancing security at houses of worship on Staten Island following a string of recent disturbances at Catholic churches.where a man stormed the altar, disrupted the sermon and got into a fight with two officers who tried to stop him.
That incident last Friday morning is the latest in a string of crimes at Catholic churches across Staten Island. "People should feel safe in their sanctuary and be able to worship freely," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella. On Thursday, community leaders spoke out against the wrongdoing and announced a boosted police presence at religious institutions across the borough. "We have also dispatched our community affairs officers to make regular visits to all of our churches," said NYPD Staten Island Borough Commander Melissa Eger. Father Jacob Thumma says surveillance cameras captured another man taking feces from a cup and smearing it on the front door of St. Sylvester ahead of Christmas morning mass."Four burglaries were committed at Sacred Heart Church, where a number of laptops and other items, including candy, were stolen," Eger said. "Two juveniles have been arrested in connection with those crimes. In another case at St. Roch's Church, an individual entered a window and stole a towel."Religious leaders believe Caffrey and the suspect accused of desecrating St. Sylvester highlight a bigger issue. "We must continue to invest in mental health resources to support families, provide timely intervention before a crisis occurs," Thumma said. It's an effort the Richmond County District Attorney's Office says it is working on with its alternatives to incarceration program. For now, they are making a promise to those targeting religious institutions: that all perpetrators are held accountable. Thumma said they used to leave doors open after worship, but now they lock the doors in light of the uptick in crime. They hope with the added police presence, they won't have to do that anymore. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo,New Jersey mother arrested in deaths of 2 sons, ages 5 and 7
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Time out: Parents banned from youth basketball after Staten Island court brawlThere are new rules for parents and fans who go to events sponsored by the Catholic Youth Organization after a fight broke out between two moms at an elementary…
Read more »
Staten Island man dies of head injury sustained from getting hit by SUV driver: copsA 66-year-old man died on Sunday after getting hit by an SUV driver on Staten Island a week earlier, the NYPD announced on Wednesday.
Read more »
Parents erupt into massive brawl during Catholic youth basketball game in Staten IslandFox News Channel offers its audiences in-depth news reporting, along with opinion and analysis encompassing the principles of free people, free markets and diversity of thought, as an alternative to the left-of-center offerings of the news marketplace.
Read more »
Parents Brawl at Staten Island Youth Basketball Game, Prompting New RulesA violent fight erupted between parents during a 6th-grade boys basketball game in Staten Island, leading to indefinite bans and new rules aimed at preventing future disruptions and protecting the children involved.
Read more »
Staten Island Parks bathroom takes prize for architecture -- as 'modular' toilets aim to take over NYCStaten Island Parks bathroom wins prize for architecture
Read more »
Video captures brawl between parents during youth basketball game in Staten IslandChaos ensued when a group of unruly parents caused a spectacle during a Catholic youth basketball game in Staten Island that ended with a new banning policy.
Read more »