Cash, electronics stolen from Cape church

Police are investigating a burglary and theft from a Cape Girardeau church.

Cape Girardeau police spokesman Darin Hickey said officers were called to Apostolic Promise Church at 750 N. Mount Auburn Road around 7 a.m. Thursday.

Musical equipment, electronics and an unknown amount of cash and checks were stolen, Hickey said. The thief or thieves entered the church through a window, Hickey said, but the window wasn't broken. Police don't know whether the window was locked.

According to the Rev. Timothy Lee, the money stolen was for a fundraiser that would allow the church's youth group to take several trips. The group created boxes to set out during church services to collect donations. The boxes were stored in a locked office. Lee said the burglar or burglars busted through the office door.

"That is the most disheartening part," Lee said. "They ripped all those boxes open, threw them on the floor and stole all the money out of them."

Lee was unsure of the amount of money stolen, but said the group had raised $4,000 or $5,000 in past fundraisers.

According to Lee, a sound board, lighting board, two laptop computers and a couple TV and VCR combinations were among the items stolen. He estimated a total replacement cost of between $10,000 and $20,000, with the sound board and lighting board being the most expensive items to replace.

Lee said the church is working with the insurance company to file a claim.

"Hopefully it is all covered," Lee said.

There were no suspects in custody Friday afternoon.

Pertinent address:

750 N. Mount Auburn Road, Cape Girardeau, MO