Days after someone stole about $36,000 worth of property from a church in Kansas City, Kansas, police located and returned some of the items and arrested a suspect.
Last Friday (Oct. 11), a burglar (or burglars) made off with musical instruments, electronics, maintenance equipment, clothes, and health products from Forest Grove Baptist Church. In addition, the church building suffered about $500 in property damage.
After receiving a tip in the case, police found some of the church’s property sitting outside a house. Because officers suspected that an armed suspect was inside the house, they deployed a Special Operations Unit. But the suspect walked outside without incident and was detained.
Returning Forest Grove Property Felt Great, Police Said
Officers, who had obtained a search warrant, then entered the premises. Inside the house, they identified and recovered more items that had been stolen from Forest Grove. After confirming that the property did indeed belong to the church, police returned it. “Man, did that feel great,” the department said.
In a statement, the Kansas City Kansas (KCK) Police Department said:
While property crimes don’t often grab headlines, we know that they not only leave victims feeling violated, but they create a real financial hardship on hard working families, businesses and communities. Today, thanks to a tip, we located thousands of dollars in property stolen from one of our KCK churches and then returned it to their congregation.
While the department’s Property Crimes Unit continues to investigate, police are requesting additional tips from the public. Anonymous callers with any leads can contact Crime Stoppers at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Church Pledges To ‘Emerge Stronger’ After Burglary
On Oct. 11, after church staff discovered that burglars had struck overnight, Forest Grove Moderator Desmond Lamb shared some photos of the damage. “This is a sad day for our church,” he wrote on Facebook, where he asked people to contact him if they could help.
Two days later, before police recovered and returned some of Forest Grove’s property, Lamb posted a note of thanks online. “In the wake of the recent burglary that has deeply affected our church, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the overwhelming support and kindness you have shown during this challenging time,” he wrote. “While the loss we experienced was significant, your response has been nothing short of inspiring.”
Lamb said all the expressions of love to the congregation have “reminded us of the strength and unity that exists within our community” and “the love and compassion that [bind] us together.”
