Over the past year, masajid in Maryland and Northern Virginia have experienced an increase in break-ins, thefts, and vandalism during overnight hours.
Most recently, the Islamic Community Center of Laurel (ICCL) was broken into several days ago around 11pm. The thief used a “circular saw device” to access to safes. ICCL officials do not believe a large amount of money was in the safes.
Several months ago, Maryum Center in Howard County, Maryland released security video footage of a brazen theft of cash in the masjid safe. The thief emptied out the safe even after another masjid member entered for prayer.
Last November, Mustafa Center in Annandale, Virginia was vandalized and the rear door broken. A few other masajid also experienced theft and vandalism, but masjid officials did not make public announcements about these incidents so the Muslim Link is not identifying those masajid.
The following is the announcement published by the Islamic Community Center of Laurel on February 15, 2019.
Dear ICCL Community:
Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatahu.
Last night, at around 11:00 PM, a single individual came into the Masjid facility and broke into two of our dropsafes using a small circular saw device. Alhamdulillah, the safes are emptied out regularly so we don't believe that the thief obtained a large amount of funds. However, the fact that someone entered into the house of Allah and committed this damaging act is very concerning.
We are working with detectives in the Laurel police force to determine who committed this crime. They have been provided with several clips of video footage, for both inside and outside of the Masjid for the timeframe of concern.
Over the next several days, the council will be taking steps to resecure the dropbox safes and work with the chief of police to obtain more patrol as needed.
We ask you all to make dua that Allah keeps the Masjid here in Laurel and the entire community who attends it, safe at all times, Inshallah.
Jazakumullahu Khayran,
ICCL Executive Council.
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