VIRGINIA COMPUTER STOLEN FROM CHURCHWSLS.com | Bedford County Church Break-inBedford County Church Break-in
Tamika Hawkins / WSLS NewsChannel 10
Nov 27, 2005


Police cars in the parking lot... an unusual start to Sunday morning services at Staunton Baptist Church in Bedford County.
The pews here are empty for a reason...the Sheriff's Department tells me someone broke into the church between 3 Saturday night and 7:30 Sunday morning.

Pastor Chris Smith made the discovery when he walked into his office. Papers...scattered throughout the floor and his computer...gone...along with all the other appliances on his desk.

"It would be nice of they would use that equipment to burn a couple of c-d's for me," he said, "and just mail it to the church so we can have the church files back."

The people involved initially tried to get in through this vent, and tore off a window screen. But investigators say they ultimately broke-in through this back door.

In the main sanctuary, thieves stole two cassette decks, a c-d player and a soundboard system. All that's left now are these wires. Even the pulpit mic is missing...but the band amps remained untouched. Police estimate loss at up to $10,000.

"They were after electrical equipment that they could sell for money," Rev. Smith said.

He also says he's glad the physical damage wasn't worse...and while insurance can replace the stolen items, he hopes the person or people responsible will be found soon.

"You try to think pleasant thoughts about people like that and hopefully somebody will steer them straight one of these days."

Police offer this advice...write down serial numbers of your big appliances, computers, or weapons.

So if your items are stolen, you'll have that information to go back to