Burglars Break Into L.I. Catholic School, Church Hall

A vacant Catholic school and a neighboring parish pastoral center in North Merrick have been burglarized, according to Nassau County police and the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Officials from Sacred Heart church are still assessing what was taken or damaged in the break-in, Diocese spokesman Sean Dolan said.

As of mid-day, Nassau police crime scene investigators were still gathering clues inside the building.

It's unclear how the suspects entered the two buildings.

The Diocese closed Sacred Heart school last June because of declining enrollment. 

Some local community members opposed the decision to shutter the school.

"The school is empty, sitting there saying, 'Break into me,'" said long-time parishoner John Fitzpatrick. "Obviously, someone knew what was going on and burglarized the place. It's unfortunate."
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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