Thieves Steal Landscaping Equipment From Elk Grove Church While Pastor Is Ill
ELK GROVE (CBS13) — A local church was targeted by thieves as its pastor was hospitalized and recovering.
Thieves stole thousands of dollars worth of landscaping equipment and more from Peace Presbyterian Church. Criminals targeted the shed of the small congregation with a very small budget.
Mark Angeja is an elder at the Elk Grove church that's a little house of worship with a big heart for elementary school kids.
He says several weeks ago, someone forced their way into the shed and stole not only donated items for an upcoming church rummage sale, but also the church's landscaping equipment.
He's trying to stay positive.
"It's a good thing we have a drought, because at least we don't have to mow the lawns right now," he said.
To avoid a fire danger, church volunteers have to cut about an acre of lawn.
Angeja says what makes the timing so bad is right before the theft, their pastor was hospitalized with a serious illness, leaving him unable to walk. The pastor's dad also died.
On top of this, the congregation has to find money to pay for more than just the stolen equipment.
"We have a lot a repairs that need to be done on our roof and our modular," he said.
