Construction worker admits stealing beverages, music box from Bartica church

Police have arrested a 37-year-old construction worker, who they said admitted to stealing several items from the Good News Fellowship Full Gospel Church located at Lot 35 Fourth Avenue, Bartica.

According to the Guyana Police Force (GPF), the incident occurred between 20:00h on Saturday and 07:30h on Sunday.

The stolen articles total $178,000 and include 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.

Andrew Persaud, the 60-year-old pastor of the church, reported securing the church at 20:00 h on Saturday before leaving for his residence. When he returned around 07:30h on Sunday, he found the church door open and discovered the items missing.

After reviewing CCTV footage, police identified the suspect leaving the church with the stolen goods. Police later arrested the suspect at his residence. Upon being informed of the allegations, the suspect admitted to the theft.

He led the police to 7th Avenue, Bartica, opposite the burial ground, where he had hidden the music box. The police retrieved the music box, and the suspect disclosed that he had shared the stolen beverages with his friends.

The suspect is in custody at the Bartica Police Station, assisting with the ongoing investigation.