FBI Reports Crime is down

Washington (CNN) -- Violent crime in the United States dropped markedly in the first half of 2010, according to FBI statistics released Monday.

Overall violent crime fell 6.2% from the same period last year, according to the report, and the new numbers include a 7.1% decrease in homicide.

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FAITH-BASED GROUPS GET STIMULUS FUNDS

FAITH-BASED GROUPS GET STIMULUS FUNDS -- Ben Smith and Byron Tau: “The stimulus bought the Castleton United Methodist Church in Indianapolis a new heating and cooling system. In Laramie, Wyo., it bought the Church of St. Laurence O'Toole new windows for the Catholic school it runs. … [A]n analysis by POLITICO found that at least $140 million in stimulus money has gone to faith-based groups, the result of an unpublicized White House decision to spend government money, where legal, supporting religiously-inspired nonprofit groups. … In an aggressive attempt at outreach, federal agencies, in conference calls and online seminars, instructed faith-based groups on how to apply for the grants, and federal officials sometimes stepped in when the state officials who distribute the money were reluctant to spend it on groups associated with churches and other religious establishments.” http://bit.ly/h9APQM

From Mike Allen's Politico Playbook

Boston Man Arrested for Church Burglaries

"Police have arrested a Boston man believed to be responsible for at least two of the recent church burglaries in the city, authorities said.

Richard Shiner, 44, was apprehended yesterday at about 10 a.m. on Boylston Street between Tremont and Washington streets, Boston police said in a statement. Shiner will be charged with burglary and larceny from a building in connection with recent break-ins at St. Leonard’s Church in the North End and St. Anthony’s Shrine in Downtown Crossing, police said."

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Back to Church to Rob Again and Again

"A spate of church burglaries in suburban Oregon and another in San Francisco has prompted tightened security around houses of worship, including ramped up patrols and high tech surveillance equipment. The extra measures resulted in the arrest of a suspect in six church robberies in Springfield, Oregon, a town neighboring Eugene...."

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Crime Stoppers: Two Church Break-ins

Lynchburg, VA - In this week's Crime Stoppers report, Lynchburg Police need your help finding whoever broke into two churches early Tuesday morning.

They say sometime between 2:00 – 3:00 a.m. the front glass door was damaged at the Church of Prophecy on Garfield Avenue.

No items have been reported missing.

There were several items taken from the Change Me Ministries and Fellowship Church on Fort Avenue.

The pastor discovered damage to the front glass door Tuesday morning.

The suspects stole a stereo system and keyboard, as well as some clothing.

If you have any information, call or text Crime Stoppers at 888-798-5900 or text CVCS and your message to 274637.

Article From: ABC 13

Thief Steals Cash from Woman's Purse in Church

COOKEVILLE -- "A thief stole cash out of a purse in a church last Wednesday night, police said.

It happened at Collegeside Church of Christ on East 9th St. between 7:50 p.m. and 8:10 p.m., says a report by Cookeville Police Officer Brian Long.

The victim told the officer she was waiting in a church hallway near the gym for a family member. She placed her purse on a table and turned away for a short time talking to other church members. When she returned to get her purse, it was gone."

Click to Read More from the Herald Citizen

The above article represents one of my pet peeve's in relation to church security. I can not count how many times I have observed someone walk into church and place their purse or bag down on a chair or table and then just walk away. The above article states that the person just "turned around"; however, more times then not people will walk away from their belongings. 

The church setting can provide a false sense of security for some. Thieves know and understand this and will look these settings to take advantage of. Some thieves may make it a regular practice to attend a church to learn how they function and then when the time is right strike. 

My recommendation would be to make it your churches policy that members do not leave items unattended. This is for their own security and yours as well. You never know what is in that back and you would not want someone to place something like a bomb inside of one and just walk away. Similarly you would not want someone to leave their purse or bag and have a predator steal money, credit cards, cell phones, laptops, or any other item of value. 

Thursday: Late Night Church Fire in Memphis

"Memphis firefighters battled a two-alarm fire Thursday night at Divine Temple Church, 4360 S. Third.

Flames were shooting out the top of the one-story wooden structure at about 9:40 p.m. as firefighters sprayed water and appeared to be controlling the blaze, which was first reported at 8:51 p.m.

Memphis Fire Department spokesman Lt. Wayne Cooke said it appeared the church was empty when the fire broke out and no injuries had been reported. Cooke said the fire was almost contained just before 10 p.m."

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Warning Signs of a Dangerous Letter or Package

Do you know the warning signs of a potentially dangerous letter or package? And what to do if you come across one? 

According to a guide by the FBI - Click Here for FBI Guide Website
 
Information Below from the FBI:
First, be suspicious if you come across mail/packages with:

• Protruding wires or strange odors
• Excessive tape or string
• Oily spots, discolorations, or crystallization on the wrapper
• Excessive postage
• Addressing mistakes and issues, including misspelled words, badly typed or written addresses, wrong titles with names, no return addresses, etc

 
Second, if you do see one or more of these tell-tale signs, you should:

• Stop…don't handle the item
• Isolate it immediately
• Don't open, smell, or taste it
• Activate your emergency plan and notify a supervisor