Church officials say a burglar broke in to the Community of Grace Church in Centennial Sunday night and stole a sleeping bag and some cash.
“He jimmied a side door,” said Student Pastor Ben Ramsey.
Security video, posted on Facebook, shows the alleged thief walking down the hall and pulling his hood up, before walking into an office.
“I see and view this young man as part of our community, so it doesn’t make sense to bite the hand that feeds you,” said Community of Grace Senior Pastor Joel Bundick.
This isn’t the first time a church has been burglarized in the South Metro area. Last March, Denver 7 reported that 19 churches had been hit in Englewood. Police later arrested a suspect who they linked to several of those burglaries.
It’s not known if the man who broke into this church is a serial burglar.
Bundick said the alleged thief didn’t vandalize anything, he just stole a few items.
“That was surprising,” the pastor said.
Bundick told Denver 7 that one of the church’s goals is to be a blessing to the community and to help those in need.
He said there were two reasons they posted the security video on Facebook.
“Part of our intent is to make our community aware there’s somebody that has needs and if they’re willing to break into a church, maybe they’re willing to break into a house, so heads up. That’s part of our goal.”
He said the second reason was to reach out to the alleged thief.
“I want to communicate to whoever this young man is – you don’t have to do all that. Come talk to me. Go talk to the church down the street. It’s what we do.”
