The police in the Asante-Akim South District of Ashanti are making strenuous efforts to bust a syndicate which has made the stealing of church electronic gadgets their business.

This comes in the wake of a string of thefts mainly musical instruments in the last couple of months by the “daredevils” who are not scared by the awesome invisible presence of the “Holy One” in His sanctuary, and break in to steal.

The clever thieves have timed their activities and strike on Saturday nights leaving the churches incapable of holding their Sunday fore-noon services.

The worst affected church is the Juaso Presbyterian Church whose musical instrument has been stolen on three occasions. The latest, which happened on May 2, saw the church losing four microphones, one amplifier, a keyboard and unspecified amount of cash.

Briefing the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Rev. Clement Nawiame expressed deep concern and worry about the upsurge of theft in churches.

A week later, the Obogu branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) had its amplifier stolen from the church after thieves broke in at night. Having failed to grab much booty at the CAC, the thieves turned their attention to the mission house of the church a few days later and managed to steal from an isolated room.

According to the head pastor of the church, Rev. Nawiame, the thieves gained access to the room through the window after cutting the mosquito netting and removing three louver blades.

He explained that no one sleeps in that room so they succeeded in taking away a laptop, two mobile phones, a home theatre and a compact disc player. The Reverend Minister said the Atiemo branch of the church has suffered the latest theft just recently.

Rev. Nawieme said the church is in the process of employing a security man to guard the church premises as part of security measures. Meanwhile, a report has been lodged with the police.