Authorities Say Church Burglaries Likely ConnectedAuthorities Say Church Burglaries Likely Connected

12/7/12 - Authorities say burglars have broken into more than 40 churches in mostly rural areas of Michigan and Ohio since August, including several locally. Police believe the burglaries, which have spanned Lenawee, Monroe, Washtenaw, Hillsdale, Livingston and Genesee counties, as well as Fulton County, Ohio, near the states' border, may have been committed by the same thieves. Most of the churches targeted didn't have security systems, and thieves got in by prying open windows and doors. They've ransacked offices, rifled through drawers and forced open safes. Officials say they've gotten away with cash, change or sometimes nothing. Among those hit by the thieves is the Family Tabernacle Church of God in Unadilla Township, which was broken into twice. In March, thieves caused thousands of dollars in damage, but only ended up with $10 in cash and guitars used during church services. Pastor Jeff Howard said the congregation sang a cappella at their services the next morning. The thieves hit the church again in October, but by that time they had installed a burglar alarm and nothing was stolen. Police believe the burglaries. Also broken into was the Fellowship Bible Church on Hartland Road, although the thief in that case left behind a receipt that police used to match up with a surveillance camera photo of the suspect at a nearby Wal-Mart. (Pictured) Anyone with information on the robberies is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Michigan at 1-800-SPEAK-UP. (JK)