Thieves steal sit-down lawnmower from Arneberg Church in Åsnes, Norway

Thieves managed to break into a locked tool shed at Arneberg Church in Åsnes by exploiting a small gap in the door, according to Knut Henrik Hofgård, the church custodian. They made off with a sit-down lawnmower valued at over 100,000 Norwegian kroner, marking another incident of theft in the area.

This isn’t the first occurrence; a similar theft took place last year. Hofgård expressed his frustration, stating, “It’s disrespectful that items on graveyards aren’t left alone. I consider it a low act.” Other churches in Åsnes, including Gjessåsen and Våler, have also reported mower thefts this summer, totaling four in the region.

The situation has sparked concern among residents in the Solør area. Anne Kristine Rossebø has fallen victim to mower theft for the second time, having previously lost her equipment three years ago. Despite securing her shed with large screws this summer, thieves broke in through a crack and stole her mower. “It’s alarming and shows that no matter what measures we take, they still get in,” she remarked.

According to Sigmund Clementz, the communications manager of a major insurance company, summer sees a spike in thefts, particularly of outdoor items like grills and bicycles, as Norwegians spend more time outside. He believes these thefts resemble “targeted burglaries,” indicating that the criminals are aware of what items are in demand and easy to resell.

Investigations into the incidents are being prioritized by local police, who have noted an unusual number of mower thefts this summer. Authorities are urging residents to store their lawn equipment securely, mark it visibly or invisibly, and report any suspicious behavior to prevent further thefts.