A series of church burglaries in the historic Northeast neighborhood of Kansas City has churches in the area on edge.
Grace United Community Ministries and St. Anthony's Catholic Church were both burglarized last week. And unfortunately it's a trend they're used to.
"I feel like we get smarter with every break in but so do the thieves," said Father Paul Turner of St. Anthony. "We've had a break in almost every year I've been here.”
Someone busted through a 90-year-old stain glass window at St. Anthony in order to steal electronics from the sanctuary. Just down the street at Grace United, church leaders have a similar story.
"They took the electronics in the offices over here," said Michael Mayberry, executive director of Grace United Community Ministries.
While the rate of theft in the area may not have risen, the rate at which churches have been targeted may have. However, the continued revitalization of the Northeast is something the local chamber of commerce hopes will translate into a safer city.
"In the past two years, we've seen $50 million worth of investment in the community," said Bobbi Baker, NEKC chamber of commerce president. "We are standing strong and standing strong in supporting those churches as well.”
While new security systems are being installed at both churches, Mayberry and Turner aren't discouraged, and simply hope the community continues to back their efforts as well.
"Spread faith in Christ as best we can. We kinda wish people who would break in here would come for church on Sunday. We think they might learn something," said Turner.
“We need the families and individuals to be a part of us, a part of this community," said Mayberry.
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Josh Helmuth can be reached at josh.helmuth@kshb.com
