ATWATER -- Burglars struck at an Atwater church this week, taking nearly $1,500 in electronic equipment.
The incident was reported to police Tuesday morning by First Baptist Church officials, who say the theft probably happened sometime Monday night.
The thieves pried open a window on the northwest corner of the church building, according to Lt. Sam Joseph.
BEA AHBECK CASSON/bahbeck@mercedsunstar.com First Baptist Church's office manager Wendy Barros shows where the burglar or burglars left foot prints on a table in the social hall of the church during a break-in, in Atwater Thursday. (1-3-13) The church was burglarized earlier in the week, and nearly $1,500 in electronic equipment was taken. A cord hangs from the ceiling where the projector used to be.
BEA AHBECK CASSON/bahbeck@mercedsunstar.com First Baptist Church's office manager Wendy Barros, shows where the burglar or burglars entered the social hall of the church by prying a window open, in Atwater Thursday. (1-3-13) The church was burglarized earlier in the week, and nearly $1,500 in electronic equipment was taken.
The items that were taken include a projector, a stereo system, speakers and a microphone. Church staff arrived Tuesday morning and saw the window had been opened and a stereo cord had been left hanging out of it.
Wendy Barros, the church's office manager, said the equipment was used for youth events in the church's social hall. Those events typically happen Wednesday nights.
The church experienced a burglary in April, and the thieves took similar items. Barros said the church is considering getting a security system.
She said she's frustrated by the thefts, particularly because the church is dedicated to meeting the needs of others. "It's really a community problem, not just an individual church problem," Barros said.
Atwater police are asking anyone with information to call (209) 357-6396. Tips are kept confidential and you can remain anonymous.
City Editor Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsunstar.com.
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