Authorities in St. Croix County in western Wisconsin are asking for the public's help in finding a thief suspected in a rash of church burglaries last weekend.
Break-ins were reported during Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Hudson; Prairieview Church, First Lutheran Church and a Jehovah Witness Hall in New Richmond; and Redeemer Lutheran Church in Burkhardt, the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office said.
At First Lutheran, a security camera caught a man walking through the church around 6 a.m. Saturday.
"This guy violated my sheep fold," the church's senior pastor Jim Bump wrote on his Facebook page. "He got very little because we don't leave cash around. He caused a lot of damage. Pray for him for whatever issues he facing, and for justice for my members."
Bump said the burglar may have been scared off by one of his members and was unable to get away with his guitar or other equipment. The church is already improving its already good security, he said.
"It is angering that this individual felt it was their right to break in, damage and steal property that does not belong to them, and all from places that would have helped them, if asked," said St. Croix County Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Scott Knudson.
On Wednesday, investigators said a passenger car, possibly some type of Pontiac, may be connected to the crimes. They also released surveillance photos and asked anybody who recognizes the man or may have seen suspicious vehicles in the church parking lots to call investigator Cary Rose at the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office, 1-715-381-4387.
Tim Harlow • 612-673-7768
