By Spencer Sterritt

No theft charges worries Parksville church members after B&E arrest

Aug 13, 2017 | 12:53 PM

PARKSVILLE — The news a man had been arrested for ransacking a Parksville church was met with relief and questions by members of the congregation.

According to Oceanside RCMP, Thomas Dion Bruneau was charged after allegedly breaking into the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church on July 10. He’s faced with breaking and entering, possessing break-in tools and possession of a controlled substance.

There’s no charges of theft and the original release about the incident said nothing of significance was stolen in the incident.

Gordon Lockhart, a member of the St. Mary’s Ukrainian Orthodox Church, said despite what RCMP claimed, many important items had in fact been stolen. Essential parts of their service, such as a ceremonial chalice and spoon, as well as a cross and candlesticks, were allegedly taken.

“That’s the most important thing right now, to make sure he’s also charged with theft,” Lockhart told NanaimoNewsNOW.

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He said it will cost roughly $2,500 to replace everything taken, which is less than their insurance deductible.

Victor Blasco, another member of the church, said everyone is doing their best to carry on without the important items, but it’s been difficult so far.

“We had a service (Saturday) and we were looking for the cross. Of course, we had to say ‘oh no, I guess we don’t have it, it’s gone. So we’re using a makeshift one.”

The emotional loss to the church is also quite high.

Blasco said everyone was “down and disgusted that anyone would come and ransack the church for no reason. It was total destruction.”

A perogy dinner fundraiser will likely happen in the future to pay for replacements, Lockhart said, but finding them will likely be difficult.

He said he’ll inquire with Oceanside RCMP why no theft charges were laid.

The accused is next scheduled for court on Aug. 22

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @spencer_sterrit