Normally, a collection plate in a church is where you leave alms or donations, but this was not the case for two gentlemen from La Mamola, aged 48 and 43, who allegedly decided that it was a source of revenue.

All told, the Guardia Civil believe that the Dynamic Duo ‘visited’ chapels in Lanjarón, Pórtugos and Juviles in the early hours of the 10th, 17th and 28th of May.

After reportedly forcing the main doors, the thieves made off with the collection funds, as well as the ceremonial chalice belonging to Juviles (of scant value) and a gold embroidered alter cloth.