Financial Crime News 08/27/2023

(August 25) Church Leaders In Abilene React To Recent Church Incidents Of Theft | Abilene, TX

Stealing the church's money is not just a phrase, but a reality for local churches now. Pastors are now warning others to be on the lookout for criminal activity.

Many churches in Abilene have been targeted by thieves. They say donations and offerings were taken right out of their mailboxes. But this leaves many to question, why are our chapels being burglarized?

“You wouldn’t expect that in Abilene, a town this size,” said Iziar Lankford, a retired United Methodist Pastor.

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(August 24) Air Conditioner Thieves Leave Atlanta Church Feeling The Heat | Atlanta, GA

A small church community in Atlanta's Dixie Hill neighborhood is heated after the reverend says someone stole the building's five-ton air conditioning.

These are without a doubt some of the hottest days of the year. This was also the time thieves decided to go into the Dixie Hills First Baptist Church and steal their air conditioner. Now, parishioners are sweltering, and the pastor wants answers.

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(August 23) Church Burglary; Feces Found; Stolen Cars: Blotter | New Trier Township, IL

The following information comes from the Glencoe, Kenilworth, Northfield, Wilmette and Winnetka police departments and court records as a record of police activity and incidents reported to the police. Criminal charges merely represent accusations by the state, and county prosecutors often choose to drop or reduce them. Updated information may be available from the Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court. Anyone arrested is innocent unless later proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
A resident in the 1600 block of Elmwood Avenue report it on Aug. 14 that somebody had stolen a lacrosse stick a hockey stick a baseball glove and two duffel bags with an unknown value from their front porch.

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(August 23) Lyndon Police Searching For Suspects Who Stole Purse From Woman In Church | Louisville, KY

Lyndon Police Department is attempting to identify two people who stole a purse from a woman at a church.

Detective Andy Hawkins said two suspects stole a purse from a woman at Hurstbourne Baptist Church on Sunday, Aug. 6. The suspects then went to Walgreens, Target and Walmart to purchase several prepaid Visa cards.

There aren't any warrants out for the suspects at this time.

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(August 23) E.C. Man Charged With Burglarizing Church | East Chicago, IN

An East Chicago man is accused of stealing TVs, a laptop, a camera system and cash from a church in the city.

Paul Hillbrant is charged with burglary, a Level 5 felony; theft where value of property is between $750 & $50,000, a Level 6 felony; and misdemeanor institutional criminal mischief.

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