Mavrovo church latest victim in spate of thefts

Church in Mavrovo robbed

Sveti Nikola is the latest victim in a string of church burglaries across western Macedonia.

Earlier this week Sveti Nikola in the village of Belichica was broken into by robbers who stole the church's icons and donations. 17 icons and 400 denars were stolen in the break in.

This is the latest of dozens of similar incidents over the past two years where churches across western Macedonia have been broken into and their property stolen.

The break-ins have been centered around the town of Struga, Debar and Kicevo. On many previous occasions the criminals have found to originate from Albania, coming across the border overnight.

Some churches have taken action and installed metal bars over windows in an attempt to stop the attacks.