Pocono News Section

Thousands in Damage After Church Break-Ins

Thousands in Damage After Church Break-Ins - Monday, January 28, 2008 at 9:59PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Monday, Jan 28, 2008 @09:59pm EST
HUMMEL'S WHARF, SNYDER COUNTY- Cash, computers, and stereo equipment. That's what police say vandals and burglars stole from churches in Snyder County.

Thousands of dollars in stolen property and damages are left behind after weekend break-ins at three Snyder County churches. And yet a spirit of forgiveness still lingers in the people who would have every right to be angry at those who committed these crimes.

"Somebody that would do this, they need the lord," said Pastor Steven Froekle.

That's the sentiment at Victory Baptist Church in Hummel's Wharf, after vandals broke in and destroyed several items throughout the church. "They did a lot of damage to our computer, poured coffee and syrup on it, and smashed our copier machines. Throughout the entire church building there's a lot of damage. Our baptistry, they put a hole in it. We've got leakage and water down through the floors," described Froekle.

Damage to a rear basement door clearly shows where the vandals entered at Victory Baptist Church. Police say only some stereo equipment and a small amount of money was taken. But the damage is extensive. "I went into my own office area, opened the door and I came in and it was just unbelievable, devastating to me. My office is completely torn up. A lot of mementos, a lot of things that were keepsakes are gone," said Froekle.

Nearby, the Susquehanna Valley Church of Christ was also targeted, with several items inside being broken. Police say computer equipment a small amount of money was taken here.

And just a few miles away in Port Trevorton, State Police say burglars entered Whitmers United Methodist Church, stealing three computers and several pieces of audio and video equipment.

Back at Victory Baptist Church in Hummel’s Wharf, even as knives are still plunged into the junior church room chairs where the vandals left them, church members come together to fellowship and accomplish their daily tasks. They won't let the break-ins affect them. "We'll have church on Wednesday night, we'll have church next Sunday. We'll just clean up, do the best we can, but we're going on," promised Froekle.

No word from State Police whether any those break-ins are related. Anyone with information is urged to contact them at 570-374-8145.