Nov 14, 2008 7:14 pm US/Pacific
Thieves Strike Cars At 16 Churches During Services
STOCKTON (CBS13) ―
In Stockton, at more than a dozen churches, churchgoers walked out to find their cars broken into. And it's happened at 16 locations.
Police now say they believe the crimes are connected.
Father Dean McFalls of Saint Mary's says thieves are targeting church goers during time of worship.
"To victimize people, to cause thousands of dollars of damage just to get a small amount of money to me does not make sense," said McFalls.
Within the last few weeks, thieves have broken into 36 vehicles at 16 churches throughout Stockton, according to police.
They broke a window in a vehicle just to get a diaper bag," said McFalls.
"I'm scared to come here now. But I know it's happening to all the churches around here," said Maria Diaz, theft victim.
Maria says, along with her stereo and other valuable belongings, her green card and social security card were stolen out of her truck while she was in church.
Together, the items worth thousands of dollars, and she says she cannot afford to replace them right now.
"From a law enforcement standpoint, the first thing we're trying to do is get info out to all congregations we can in our city," said Ofc. Pete Smith, Stockton P.D.
Police also say they're going to increase patrol around churches during worship. Meanwhile, some clergy are stepping up their security as well.
"Do we forgive them?" asked McFalls. "Of course we forgive them…I just don't want to encourage them."
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