Category: News affecting the Church

US: Police in Colorado seek person of interest amid spike in church vandalism

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STAFF

Police in Lakewood, Colorado are asking for the public’s help solving a rash of church vandalism.

“Since November 2021, multiple places of worship have been vandalized causing thousands of dollars in damage,” says a statement issued by police this week.

Lakewood churches damaged by vandalism include Self Realization Church, St Paul’s Community Church, Lakewood United Methodist Church, Lakewood First Church, and New Life In Christ Church.

Security cameras have caught images of a man police believe may be involved, though they have not released details behind the images. 

Sudbury congregation targeted by vandals

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STAFF

The congregation at St. Anne-des-Pins in Sudbury have been the victims of repeated vandalism at the church. The most recent incident involved decapitation of a statue of Mary and the baby Jesus, and damage to the church building and air conditioner. The statues were damaged by vandals in previous incidents.

Sainte-Anne-des-Pins was established as a mission 1883.

No motive is known for the criminal acts.

US: Teen suspected in Maryland church fires, vandalism

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STAFF

A juvenile has been identified as a person of interest in three church fires and vandalism in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Sheriff’s office investigators believe the teen is responsible damaging the churches between July 8-10.

St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church and North Bethesda United Methodist Church were damaged by fire. A cemetery next to the Wildwood Baptist Church was vandalized, and a large cross was stolen from the church.

The suspect’s identity is not released because of his or her age.  The matter has been turned over to juvenile authorities.

Vandalized church

US congregation cleans up obscene graffiti from church walls

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(Photo: Stateline Area Crime Stoppers)

STAFF

A congregation in Stephenson County, Illinois had to spend time cleaning obscene graffiti off of the church walls after vandals damaged the building in the late-night hours.

A sheriff’s office news release says the vandalism was discovered around 8 a.m. on July 14 at the Cedarville Baptist Church. The spokesperson said there were no other reports of vandalism in the area.

Investigators have not yet determined a motive for the criminal act.

Video used as evidence against man charged with hate crimes in US church vandalism

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JEFF TURNER

Officers in the US have arrested a man for hate crimes after they say the suspect was caught on video smashing a window at a church before running off.

Video from surveillance cameras at Community Church of Christ in Queens, New York was posted to the police department’s Crime Stoppers twitter account shortly after the damage was reported.

Police say the damage was done Tuesday, March 8.  Video from the church and other evidence, led police to Tonnie Smith, 32, of Queens.  He has been charged with criminal mischief and aggravated harassment. Both are listed as hate crimes in the State of New York.