Donated jewellery stolen from Red Hill Church

The icon containing priceless jewellery donated by parishioners.

Thousands of dollars worth of gold jewellery housed in an icon stolen at Red Hill Orthodox Church.

Police are appealing for witnesses to an afternoon robbery at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kamariani in Red Hill.

Thieves broke into the Greek Orthodox Church and smashed the glass of an framed icon of the Virgin Mary that contained hundreds of pieces of gold jewellery that had been donated to the church since 1984.

Police value the jewellery, that contained rings, chains, bracelets, coins, bangles and crosses at over $100,000.

The offenders broke into the church Wednesday afternoon at 3:20pm and fled with the jewellery.

Police are appealing for information and urge people to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.vic.com.au

source: Neos Kosmos