From Sanjay Borkar in Margao for Daijiworld News Network -  Goa

Margao, Aug 7: The police department, baffled over a spate of thefts that have taken place in various churches and chapels in the state, has tightened the security around religious places.

According to sources, eight churches were broken into in recent months. But the police could not trace the thieves' gang involved in these thefts.

In the direction of curbing such incidents in the churches, a meeting was held in the chamber of south Goa Superintendent of Police Shekhar Prabhudesai along with 35 parish priests of the various churches.

"We have informed the priests about the existing patrolling system of police, and now we have decided to keep a log book outside the premises of church and chapels, which would be signed by the police on patrol duty as it would enable them to maintain a record of the police personnel stationed on duty," said Prabhudesai, speaking to Daijiworld correspondent.

Also it was suggested to parish priests by the police that valuable articles inside the church should be locked up in the safe box.

As per the information given by the sources there is shortage of 150 police posts in the south Goa , including PSIs and constables, but it has not been filled.