Police search for thief burglarizing local churches

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A door was ripped off its hinges after a piece of asphalt was used to smash a window at a church in Hickory.

Like many break-ins in the area, the church office of Iglesia Evangelical Church was ransacked and money was taken.

"I think it is sad," said church member Moses Perez. "Who would go into a church and steal money?"

It is a question Channel 9 has heard from members of churches in Hickory that have been burglarized during the last few months.

"It came through this window here. This is where they came through," said church member Gloria Perkins, showing Channel 9 the damage at United House of Prayer.

Perkins showed broken glass and the cinder block police found nearby. The damage was in the hundreds of dollars. Police were seen patrolling around some of the churches Friday.

Perkins said she had a message for whoever is responsible.

"If you are listening, and you've done something like this, we do forgive you. We forgive you and we pray you don't do this to any other church," she said.

Police said in most cases, the thief got away with very little money because most churches are careful not to leave money there. When Channel 9 went through the reports, the biggest cost for the congregations is the repair from the damage.

WSOC