New Jerusalem Latest Church Targeted By Burglars
JACKSON, Miss. — Another Jackson church was burglarized, police said. Since Jan. 17, six churches have been burglarized and at least three more have reported broken windows or doors, police said.
The New Jerusalem Church is the latest target. The church held a revival Tuesday night, which ended at about 9:30 p.m. One of the church members returned to the church at 5708 Old Canton Road at about 1 a.m. and discovered the burglary, church officials said.
"I couldn't believe it," said church member Constance Smith. "I had just spoke about the other burglaries last night. I said, 'My God, I hope they don't try my church.'"
The thieves broke through a basement window and stole projectors, computers, television equipment, speakers, and damaged the church sound system. The loss is estimated to be between $12,000 and $15,000, church officials said.
"I wish they would have come and asked for whatever they wanted," said associate pastor Alvin Jackson. "We could have probably helped them better."
On Wednesday night, the church prayed for the thieves as Jackson police patrolled the parking lot outside.
"We ask you to bless whoever broke into our church," said pastor Dwayne Pickett Sr. "I pray for them, I pray for their lives, and if they are not saved, I pray for their salvation."
In addition to patrolling the parking lot of New Jerusalem, Jackson police said they have also stepped up patrols at other churches across the city and are conducting undercover operations to find the culprits.
In light of the burglaries, the JPD will also sponsor a House of Worship Crime Prevention seminar Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m. at the Jackson Police Training Academy. The seminar aims to provide effective crime prevention strategies for security, exterior lighting, doors and windows.
Police have not yet determined if the burglaries are connected.
Anyone with information about the burglaries is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 601-355-TIPS.
http://www.wapt.com/crime-stoppers/22357230/detail.html
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