By Celine Klosterman
IOWA CITY — Police are investigating a burglary at the Newman Catholic Student Center and an attempted burglary at St. Mary Church, Iowa City police announced Oct. 29.
Petty cash was stolen from the Newman Center on Oct. 11, according to Father Ed Fitzpatrick, director. He said there was no sign of forced entry from outside the building. But as a precaution, “We’ve changed all the locks.”
At St. Mary’s, Catholics thought someone tried to break into the sacristy Sept. 29, said Father Thom Hennen, parochial vicar. “We didn’t see signs of forced entry from outside St. Mary’s. It’s a big church; someone could easily sneak in, hide out and wait until everyone’s gone.”
Fr. Hennen said nothing appeared to be stolen, but Catholics have since noticed that keys to the bride’s room and sacristy are missing. Women who recently married at the church have been contacted.
No suspect information was available as of early this week, according to police.
Police also are investigating October burglaries at Zion Lutheran Church and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Iowa City.
Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to call Investigator Marty Leik at the Iowa City Police Department at (319) 356-5444.
