Police Investigate 12 Robberies At Longmont Churches
LONGMONT, Colo. (CBS4)- Thieves have ripped off another church in Longmont, bringing the total number of break-ins to 12 at 11 churches within a few weeks.
The crime sprees is growing at such a fast pace that police in Longmont have formed a task force to find the suspect targeting the churches.
One church that was burglarized has made changes to its security system, installing a key pad lock on the door where the thief gained entry during a church service.
"There's the 10 Commandments, don't steal," said Father Max Bailey with St. Stephen Episcopal Church. "Someone needs help, how do we help this person?"
Bailey said someone broke into his office while parishioners were worshiping just a few feet away in the sanctuary. The burglar stole gift cards intended to help the less fortunate.
The thief is also taking cash and boxes of keys. Police believe he uses a screw driver to pry open doors overnight. He also walks into the church during worship hours through open doors.
"He's brave and brazen, maybe familiar to churches and willing to go in and look casual and act casual," said Longmont Police Sgt. Joel Post. "He cleaned up the dust and stuff from breaking in which is extremely unusual."
Police in Longmont said they have some suspects in mind. They also have surveillance video from one of the churches targeted.
Police are looking for a suspect that matches this description: white man between 25 and 35 with brown hair and at least 6-feet-tall. They believe the same man is responsible for at least two of the burglaries.
