Nine Union County churches broken into

The Union County Sheriff's Department is asking the public to watch local churches after a recent string of church break-ins in the area.

Sheriff David Livesay said nine churches have been broken into since late May. He said he has reason to believe the incidents are related.

Livesay said the burglars have taken small amounts of change and cash from the churches, while overlooking computers, silver and expensive musical equipment.

"We have reason to believe they are locals, whoever's doing this," Livesay said. "Most of the incidents have been in the early morning following Wednesday or Sunday services. We think they're breaking in trying to steal the offering."

The latest break-in occurred at Lockard Chapel Baptist Church in Jonesboro, Ill., and was discovered Tuesday morning.

The burglars entered through a window in one of the church classrooms and stole a DVD player recently purchased for the church's vacation Bible school, according to a church member who asked not to be named. She said the break-in occurred after she and her husband left the church Sunday evening.

Livesay urged residents to report any suspicious behavior to the sheriff's department and said they should be especially aware around times when offerings are collected.

The other churches that were burglarized are Dongola Pentecostal Church, Big Creek Baptist Church, Cobden First Baptist Church, Ware Pentecostal Church, Lick Creek Pentecostal Church, Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and Friendship Baptist Church.

The sheriff also mentioned three church break-ins in Alexander County but could not confirm their connection with the Union County break-ins. Alexander County Sheriff David Barkett could not be reached for comment.

pwylie@semissourian.com,

335-6611, extension 127