ORANGEBURG, S.C. (AP) -- On Easter Sunday, several Orangeburg congregations discovered their worship homes had been vandalized. Investigators say windows were broken in five sanctuaries, bringing the number of church vandalism reports in the area to 22 in the past six months.
"There has been some pretty reprehensible acts take place here," says Orangeburg County Public Safety Chief Wendell Davis.
According to Davis, the suspects never take anything they just vandalize. Officers don't know why someone would want to damage church property; but they call it a growing problem. Incident reports show the latest crimes destroyed nearly $1,700 in property. Davis wants the community to help stop the culprits before they attack again.
"I believe most affective tool that we have is vigilance of the public. Anyone can be our eyes and ears to help detect who was involved in this act," says Davis.
In the meantime He says local churches are opening their doors to those responsible.
"They want to reach out and help whoever this person or people are who are involved in this."
Anyone with information that might help investigators find the vandals should call CRIMESTOPPERS at 1-888- CRIME-SC.
Remember your calls will remain anonymous and you could earn a cash reward.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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