“Sorry but I’m poor, Forgive me Lord”

Click for Article:
http://www.popfi.com/2009/11/27/growing-criminal-trend-church-robbery/

I know there’s usually money somewhere on church property thanks to the collection plate, but I never realized just how much electronic equipment there is in your average house of worship.

For the fourth time in two years, a building in Ellenwood, Georgia has been broken into by desperate criminals. However, this is the first time the robber has left behind a written plea for forgiveness after his crime.

The criminals wrote the words “Sorry but I’m poor, Forgive me Lord” on a side wall of the church before departing. The words alluded to the fact that the criminals needed money. Often time’s churches are viewed by criminals as easy targets. The writer of the linked article stated: “I know there’s usually money somewhere on church property thanks to the collection plate, but I never realized just how much electronic equipment there is in your average house of worship.” Criminals have realized this too! Most church collect money and it is a source for easy cash during a break-in. Churches big or small tend to have thousands of dollars worth of sound and musical equipment. More times than not these are the items that the criminals are targeting. Music and sound equipment made quick cash when handed over to the local pawn shop!

Reflections:

Why was this church broken into 4 times in two years? From the picture it does not look like it is stuck in the bad part of the inner city…

What could the church have done after the first break-in to make it harder for the 2nd, 3rd & 4th ones to occur? (New Locks, Alarm System, Cameras)

Churches should keep an itemized list of all electronic equipment. This should include serial numbers, photo’s and estimated values. The insurance company will need this information once the items are discovered stolen or damaged. Another law enforcement trick is to have the names, telephone numbers, and fax numbers of all pawn shops in the area. In the event that items are stolen they you can fax your list to all locations which may help you in the recovery of lost items.