Thieves rob area churches of AC

The Oconee County Sheriff’s Office responded to a theft of more than $35,000 worth of air conditioning units from the Bethabara Baptist Church on Monroe Highway last week.

As a result, Pastor Rob Bray changed the sign outside of his church to read, “You Shall Not Steal the Lord's Air Conditioners.”

“I basically did it to draw attention to what’s going on," Bray told the Barrow Journal. "It’s pretty low when you steal from anybody, but it’s even lower when you steal from God."

Barrow County Sheriff Jud Smith said it is unfortunate that churches have now become targets of this type of crime.

“I have asked that all the deputies be on alert and do extra checks on the churches when they can," he said.

The sheriff's office advises church staff and preachers to have different members or staff to check on the church during the week. Checking at night after hours may also possibly deter criminals who may be watching the churches to insure no one comes by after hours and at night. If any one notices unknown vehicles in or around the property, notify local law enforcement by calling 911 and try to get a description of the vehicle or a tag number.

Read the full story in the Oct. 19 issue of the Barrow Journal.