Newburyport Churches Increase Security After Break-Ins
NEWBURYPORT (CBS) - Churches are bolstering their security after four historic churches were broken into and robbed between Sunday night and Monday morning.
The thief or thieves robbed The First Religious Society Church and Parish Hall, First Church of Christ Scientist and Old South First Presbyterian Church.
"I can't remember in my career, this many being done in that short time," said Newburyport City Marshal Mark Murray.
The East Parish United Methodist Church in Salisbury was hit as well.
"It's awful. Again, it's a crime of opportunity, you know there's cash in these churches," Murray said.
Newburyport Police said the thief or thieves took hundreds of dollars, a laptop and other valued items.
"We're looking for anyone that was in the area, seen anything out of the ordinary, either here in Newburyport or in Salisbury near either of the churches," Murray said.
The churches are not affiliated, but police are considering whether any common groups used the buildings.
"It sounds like a person who is rather desperate or who has lost all sense of conscience," said Pastor Sara Singleton of the historic Old South Church.
"This will continue to be a church that welcomes and opens its doors and at appropriate times will shut the doors," she said.
Investigators are looking into the similarities between the break-ins but they are seeking the public's help with this investigation.