Still Running Off at the Keyboard

Polish police have conducted a training course for Roman Catholic parish priests on how to protect their churches against robberies and acts of terrorism. According to police officials, many Polish churches and presbyteries still have minimal security despite repeated warnings that the valuable artefacts they contained were targets for thieves. Polish priests have also been trained in terrorism awareness, as well as handling and disposing of explosives.

Polish police have repeatedly urged better security at the country's 9,000 Roman Catholic parishes after recent increase in the number of break-ins and robberies, as well as acts of vandalism and arson. According to official statistics, 77 attacks had been registered this year alone on churches, chapels and presbyteries in the central Wielkopolska region. Several bomb scares have also paralysed communications around the country. According to Poznan police, many priests already know the importance of good safety measures but others should be reminded that they are the ones who are held responsible for church property. That's why, the priests were also trained in terrorism awareness and handling and disposing of explosives. The training took place on November 23rd with the participation of several dozen parish priests. Police commissioner Jaroslaw Szemerluk from the Pozna? police headquarters explains.

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