ALABAMA COMPUTERS STOLEN FROM CHURCHESPolice: 3 church burglaries relatedPolice: 3 church burglaries related

By Chris Paschenko
DAILY Staff Writer
cpaschenko@decaturdaily.com 340-2442

A rash of Decatur church burglaries Wednesday night or Thursday morning are possibly related, authorities said.

Lt. Dennis Hughes, a police spokesman, said three churches reported overnight burglaries that included stolen computer equipment and musical instruments.

"So far as we can tell, all of the burglaries are possibly related," Hughes said. "One computer tower that was taken in the burglaries was located in a resident's back yard."

Two of the churches are on Modaus Road Southwest, First Church of the Nazarene and Cedar Ridge Baptist Church.

Police said a third church on Spring Avenue Southwest, Church of the Good Shepherd, also reported items stolen.

Terry Davis, custodian of First Church of the Nazarene, said someone damaged a window screen, but didn't enter through a window.

"They managed to tear the safe up, but there was no money in it," Davis said. "There hasn't been for quite some time."

Davis said the burglar or burglars possibly entered the church through a rear door.

"They did get a guitar and some cassette players," Davis said. "But we don't have a complete record yet."

Police said they don't have a suspect. Anyone with information should call police at 341-4660.