Police say the Saturday night break-in at St Theresa's Church in Sion Mills in County Tyrone could be linked to a series of burglaries in the Foyle area.
In a post on the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland) Foyle facebook page, a police spokesperson described the incident as "sickening" because it occurred at a "place of worship".
It went on to state: "Disgustingly, one burglary took place at St Theresa's Church and, as you can see, those responsible gained entry by breaking a stained glass window. In doing so they've cut themselves and kindly left a blood sample for us to forensically examine.
"A burglary, like any crime is unacceptable but I'm sure you'll agree that in particular a burglary in a place of worship is particularly sickening and abhorrent."
Restaurant 1861 opposite the Chapel was also burgled but the two tills and ATM reader that were stolen have since been recovered.
Police are appealing for anyone in the area with information about the "attack on the people of Sion Mills, local parishioners and local businesses" to come forward.
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