Most people may not readily consider churches and other houses of worship as potential targets for crime, but some law enforcement professionals say churches provide a more attractive mark for thieves than most other facilities.
Since October 10, Indianola has experienced at least four church burglaries. The Mount Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, where cash boxes were reportedly taken, the Rasberry United Methodist Church, which suffered damage, stolen cash and cleaning supplies, the Dorsett Drive Christian Church, which lost an antique stained glass window and most recently the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church were all victims of criminal activity.
Indianola Police Chief Edrick Hall said hopefully they will have someone in custody within the next week. “We do have a promising lead on the case and are working on gathering enough probable cause to get an arrest warrant,” he said.
Experts advise that criminals usually take advantage of the opportunities that churches provide and aren't really concerned about whether or not it is a place of worship.
Hall and Sunflower County Sheriff James Haywood offered up some helpful advice that could help stave off the would be thieves in light of the upcoming holidays and the COVID-19 crisis that has prevented many congregations from meeting regularly.
“As the holidays approach we always see an increase of theft and burglaries unfortunately. This year the numbers are higher than what we are accustomed to and I do believe that has something to do with the pandemic. With winter approaching, all data shows that the virus will only get worse,” Hall said.
Law enforcement officials from around the country warn that burglary is most often the crime that is committed against churches and usually two factors promote that, churches historically do not use alarm systems and because of the numerous programs, services and other activities, they don't normally take good steps to secure the building properly after the last person leaves.
Additionally, there is also poor key control. Some churches may not have any idea of which members hold keys and have the ability to access the building. Thieves typically target sound systems, audio-visual equipment, computers and even religious ceremonial objects that could be made of gold or other valuable materials.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, churches are seemingly more vulnerable since activity has slowed and in some cases the houses of worship have little or no activity during the week.
Hall said, “I'm sure most people are proud and protective of the church they belong to. I know I am. Likewise most of us are really missing in-house praise and worship. The time will come soon where you all will be able to get back to that but until then, start a rotating visiting/check at least every two days.”
He asserts that can be accomplished by dividing the task up between the deacons or keyholders of the church. Hall said another help would be having virtual services and bible class at the church to show activity. “This (also) allows a better time frame of the incident if something does occur,” he said.
As added advice, Hall said don't show up at the same time for the visits and don't set patterns. “This prevents the suspects from having knowledge of knowing that a visit will be every day at a certain time.”
Haywood said the same applies for the county’s many rural churches. “The best thing you can do is check your church regularly,” he said. Both Haywood and Hall advocate for installing security cameras and alarm systems, which Haywood said are relatively inexpensive right now.
Hall added, “If a person is uncomfortable with doing a walkthrough by themselves, give us a call and we will have an officer meet them there to assist.”
