A construction worker is in police custody after he admitted that he stole several cases of beverages and a music box from a Bartica church and shared the beverages with his friends.
According to a police press release, the theft was committed at the Good News Fellowship Full Gospel Church located at Lot 35 Fourth Avenue, Bartica between 20:00 hrs on Saturday and 07:30 hrs yesterday.
The police said that Andrew Persaud, the 60-year-old pastor of the church, said he secured the building at 20:00 hrs on Saturday and went to his residence. When he returned at around 07:30 hrs yesterday, he discovered the door open. He made further checks and found that items were missing.
The police said that when CCTV footage was reviewed, the suspect, a 37-year-old construction worker, was seen leaving the church with four cases of Banks Malta valued at $20,000; three cases of Thrill soft drinks valued at $7,800 and one music box valued at $150,000. In total the value of the stolen items is $178,000.
At 11:00 hrs yesterday, police arrested the man at his residence. He was told of the allegation made against him and cautioned, the release said.
It added that he admitted to committing the offence and took police officers to 7th Avenue opposite the burial ground where he had hidden the music box. It was retrieved, police said.
He also told investigators that he shared the beverages he stole with his friends, the release said. He remains in custody.
