MISSISSIPPI COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM CHURCHESLocal News - Hattiesburg American - www.hattiesburgamerican.comChurches take precautions in wake of theft

By Erin Hilsabeck


Days after burglars broke into Main Street Baptist Church on U.S. 98, officials there did something some people never thought would be necessary: They took quotes on a security system.

Taken during a burglary early this month were four computers, a digital camera and compact disc burners. Church member Ondrea Robbins said her church likely will invest in an alarm system and motion detectors.

"My first thought was, 'Who steals from a church?'" Robbins said.

Most places of worship seem secure and peaceful; they are sanctuaries where nothing bad is supposed to happen. But while some churches grow in size, local church leaders and members say, so have their vulnerability to burglaries.

Two weeks ago, more than $12,000 in property was stolen from Temple Baptist Church West Campus on Old Highway 11. Among the items stolen were two computers, speakers and a sound board.

Hattiesburg Police Department Lt. Tim Jackson said a vandal or vandals gained access to Temple Baptist by throwing bricks through one of the building's southeast windows.

HPD spokeswoman Robin Walker said police detectives have leads in the Temple Baptist and Main Street Baptist burglaries, but have made no arrests.

Metro Crime Stoppers is offering up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to a felony arrest.

"We hate that this has happened," said the Rev. Jeff Clark of First Baptist Church of Hattiesburg. "We hope the people get caught and that these things stop."

Such brazen acts have led other churches to invest in security systems. Main Street United Methodist Church in downtown Hattiesburg is one of a handful that use a passcode alarm system.

"I think we're fortunate and work with a good group of people," said Monecia Smalley of Main Street United Methodist. "The system we have works well."

While some congregations' members worry about property being stolen from inside the church, others have had to keep an extra eye on the outside.

Robert Penny of First Presbyterian Church on U.S. 98 said cars in the church's parking lot have been vandalized recently. Purses, wallets and cellular phones were taken while worshippers took part in Sunday services.

"Now, we caution them not to leave their purses and cell phones out in the open," Penny said. "I hate to see people steal from a church."



Originally published June 12, 2005