Unknown metal thieves strike in Lindacher Chapel!

Unknown metal thieves strike in Lindacher Chapel!

In Lindach, a district of Fürstenfeldbruck, visitors to the St. Rupert branch church were unexpectedly confronted with a sad incident. Metal thieves targeted the venerable chapel and, in a brazen operation, forcibly removed significant parts of the building's structure, including lead building parts such as cornice covers and window panels. The damage amounts to around 3,000 euros, as Merkur reports.

The St. Rupert Chapel, which was built in the late Gothic style in the 15th and 17th centuries and renovated over the centuries, is not only considered a protected architectural monument, but also an important landmark for the Lindach community. Services are held here three times a year and the chapel is used for weddings and baptisms. Unfortunately, with this tradition and the preservation of the building there is now a risk of theft. Head of Administration Stefan Pfannes expressed concern about the incident and the possible danger of future acts.

A rise in vandalism

Police officials believe an Eastern European metal theft gang is behind the incident, as there has been a significant increase in cases of vandalism in churches in recent years. According to Zeit, there were a total of 294 cases of property damage in places of worship in 2022, which represents a sharp increase compared to previous years.

Pfannes was skeptical about the possibility of apprehending the perpetrators and at the same time warned all those responsible in the church administration to pay particular attention to parts of the building made of copper and lead. There have been numerous other acts of vandalism in the past, which strongly indicate that places of worship are increasingly being targeted by vandals. This not only involved metal thefts, but also property damage in the form of graffiti and break-ins.

A call for vigilance

In addition to reporting the matter to the police, Pfannes appeals to the community to be vigilant. “We all have to keep our eyes open and report such incidents,” he emphasizes. It is clear that the security of these cultural and religious sites is of great importance to the community. The St. Rupert Chapel, which is not only a place of worship but also part of Lindach's historical identity, deserves the best possible protection. The incident has left many citizens questioning the safety of such cultural assets in the region and reflects the challenges communities face amid rising crime in their places of worship.