Tag: Vandalism

Arrests made, donations help congregations following arson, vandalism and theft

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Arrest

Arson, anti-Christian graffiti and smashed windows sparked about a dozen non-related church vandalism investigations in the past week in Canada and the US.  Two arrests have been made in one of the recent cases, two more in an incident from last year.

Two teens were taken in custody for damaging the building of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Grand Falls NB. The congregation has been meeting at another location since the damage was done. Police Chief Suzanne Themens told The Victoria Star, “The investigation is continuing and they have no charges….. laid yet in court, but that will come in the future.”

Two arrests in the US came as part of an investigation into a June 7 incident in Houma, Louisiana. Multiple fires were set at the First Assembly of God church building and a computer was stolen. “God is dead,” and other anti-Christian messages were painted on the sanctuary entrance.   Houma Today reports two teens have been arrested for the church vandalism.  They are also charged with vandalism to other buildings in the city.

A Jonesborough, Tennessee church has new vans purchased with donations from sympathetic community members.  Enon Baptist Church received $25,000 in donations to replace three vans that were destroyed by vandals.  The criminals spray painted inverted crosses on the vehicles after rendering them unusable. News Channel 11 reports four teens were arrested in this case.

No arrests have been reported by police in other vandalism cases previously reported by Texas Gospel Canada.

Services disrupted after criminals damage Grand Falls NB church building

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Investigation smaller

Vandalism at the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Grand Falls has disrupted church services for around 200 parishioners, according to a report from The Victoria Star.

A church volunteer Monday discovered broken doors, anti-Christian messages and emptied fire extinguishers in the building. The parishioner said no motive for the damage has been discovered.

A church representative said services will be held at the St-George Parish while repairs are made.

Anyone with information about the criminals who damaged the church building is asked to call the Grand Falls, NB Police Force at 506-475-7767.

Cross often targeted by vandals set on fire, one arrest made

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Investigators say only minor damage was done when vandals placed a plastic gasoline container at the foot of a 12-foot cross and set it on fire at a church in Frankford, north of Trenton on Sunday.  Quinte West OPP was alerted to the fire in front of St Francis Assisi church on Riverside Parkway before sunrise Sunday, according to a report from GlobalNews.

A 17-year-old male from Frankford has been charged with arson.  His motives for setting the fire have not been released.  His name is withheld because of his age.

There were no injuries from the fire according to inquinte.ca.

OPP Constable David Ludington told Canada24News the cross has been vandalized multiple times.

“Over approximately the last year we were to the church for a couple of other fires, one in relation to teh cross out front, again as well as one to shrubs or bushes around the area of the cross,” OPP Constable David Ludington told the news agency.

Pastor more concerned for teens than building after vandals make repeat visit to SC church

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2018-04-05 Church vandalism in North Carolina

Surveillance video caught images of two vandals who damaged the building of Lake Bowen Baptist Church in South Carolina on Thursday.  The video shows what appears to be two teens making marking the walls with lewd messages and damaging church property, according to a report from WSPA Television.

WYFF television reported the same church had vandalism on Monday from a pair believed to be the same two.  Knives were thrown into a wall on Monday.  Police are comparing fingerprints from the knives with fingerprints collected on Thursday to verify it is the same two vandals, according to WYFF television.

Pastor Brad Atkins says the vandals caught on video are not church members.  He told Fox Carolina his main concern is young boys engaging in this kind of criminal activity.

NJ congregation targeted by vandals for third time

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2018-03-30 CHURCH VANDALISM
Photo: Vandalism suspect caught on surveillance video

A New Jersey congregation is victim of vandalism for the third time.  It’s something that leads church members of Our Lady of Victories Church in Jersey City to believe they are being targeted.  WABC television Thursday aired surveillance video of a man ripping a Ten Commandments display from the building. Previous attacks have involved the destruction of statues.

Rev. Michael Gubernat told NBC New York, “It’s happening a lot more and that’s a dangerous sign.”

Jersey City Police have not yet determined a motive behind the attacks. Anyone with information about the vandalism is asked to call the department at 201-547-5477.