Valuable offerings were stolen from the Apostolos Andreas church at the central Platy area of Aglantzia, with the Nicosia CID making two arrests this morning, 24 hours after the report was filed.
The offerings, mostly golden and silver jewellery placed on the icon of the Virgin Mary, were reported stolen yesterday with police establishing burglary and theft between August 15 (Assumption Day holiday) and yesterday.
The vehicle used was identified as stolen from the Acropolis area of Nicosia and following the trail, the CID located the perpetrators, a 44 and a 53 year old, both residents of Pera Chorio, on the outskirts of the capital.
Following a coordinated operation, the two men were arrested and are expected to be remanded tomorrow by the District Court in Nicosia in connection with the case.
The value of the offerings stolen is estimated in the thousands.
Traditionally, religious offerings are usually attached to icons and are meant as an appeal by individuals or their families as thanks and support during difficult times.
