MARYSVILLE — The crime surprised even hardened detectives.
On Monday morning, St. Mary Catholic Church in Marysville discovered that someone had stolen the holy tabernacle, a large brass container used to store the wafers for communion. Its weighs more than 50 pounds.
The exact value is unknown, but similar models can run $7,500, said Marysville police Sgt. Jim Maples. He’s part of a multi-agency team that conducts property crimes investigations in north Snohomish County.
The area around the church was searched thoroughly after the burglary was reported about 7:45 a.m. Monday. On Tuesday, the groundskeeper found the tabernacle in the bushes. It is possible the thieves had a change of heart, Maples said.
“We don’t know if they had remorse for what they did,” he said. “… But it’s damaged beyond repair from what we’re understanding.”
Detectives are looking into whether the incident may be related to other recent church burglaries within a three-mile radius. There have been eight church break-ins so far in that area over the last two months, Maples said. Targets have included musical instruments and electronics.
Church burglaries aren’t new around here. Years ago, churches in Arlington and Monroe had their bells stolen, presumably to sell as scrap metal. St. Philip’s Episcopal Church in Marysville lost musical equipment and a silver chalice, which also is used for communion. The chalice was recovered by police.
Anyone with information about the Marysville burglaries, including the one at St. Mary, is asked to call 360-363-8300. Tips can be anonymous.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @rikkiking.
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