Church raiders dump icon, keep jewellery 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. 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 crimestoppers.vic.com.au
Signing for pier MEMBERS of the Save the Dromana Pier group made the most of the crowds at the Australia Day celebrations to get their point across. “We had a marquee close to the shore end of the pier and nearly 500 people completed the survey form then and there,” committee chairman Ray Barnard-Brown said. “We were seeking public opinion as to what people would like in a new pier when one is built after the existing pier is demolished in a few years. “All who stopped were very supportive of what we are trying to achieve: to ensure that Dromana does not find itself without a pier at some time in the near future. “The interest shown was enormous and not one person suggested that a replacement pier should not be constructed when the existing pier is demolished.” “I think this was a staggeringly good result and will provide us with a very good idea of what people want in a new pier.” The group has about 20 members.
Runabout win KARL Licis, of Safety Beach, will be spending more time on the water after winning a Haines Hunter 495 ProFish fibreglass cuddy cabin runabout in the annual Lions Club of Rye boat raffle. The $36,500 prize included safety equipment, fish finder and registrations. Mr Licis said he could not believe he had won until all the paperwork was finalised and his prize delivered. The raffle’s 28,000 tickets were sold over a five months, raising $55,000 for community projects.
Caught in the act: Two men wearing hoodies or overalls are have been captured on CCTV raiding the Greek Orthodox church, Red Hill.
Items found: The Virgin Mary icon and pieces of jewellery found after being dumped on the side of the road.
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