Thieves consistently targeted Glen Oaks United Methodist Church, stealing components from 11 air conditioning system in under 3 weeks, church authorities say.
DALLAS– Holding strong for 68 years, Glen Oaks United Methodist Church in Oak High cliff remains on 9, 000 square-feet of land.
“We are a small member church,” stated Annelda Crawford, Glen Oaks UMC Reverend. “We have attempted to preserve this land for the good of the area.”
Nevertheless, current acts of burglary have actually raised much concern.
“This serves nobody any type of excellent,” said Crawford.
She said on April 9, somebody climbed up over a block wall surface that covered 3 a/c. “Someone was available in over the brick wall surface and somehow reduced the steel cage inside and entered and took all the withins out of these 3 a/c,” claimed Crawford.
Crawford claimed the burglars came back days later on. This moment, they climbed up onto the roof and fell into a storeroom.
“They cut copper. Right here, some there, some smaller sized pieces up there,” Crawford stated as she indicated reduce cords.
She said thieves came back a total of 4 time and took components from 11 ac system in less than 3 weeks. Throughout the last burglary, Crawford claimed thieves broke a pipes and swamped components of the church.
“It’s heartbreaking. It’s just heartbreaking,” Crawford said.
Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold checked out the church and saw the damage.
“I was exceptionally surprised,” King Arnold claimed.
She stated these burglaries and lots of others have actually gotten the interest from both city and state lawmakers.
“We additionally just start to promote the relevance people progressing to increase the charges for burglary,” King Arnold claimed.
Gov. Greg Abbott lately authorized that costs.
“It has to do with time,” Crawford said.
While she rejoices to see lawmakers apply in stopping these burglaries, she claimed she intends to see even more done by cops. Dallas Authorities told WFAA they first record was taken control of the phone and forwarded to the investigatory device. They stated in a declaration, “We can validate that these cases are still being considered by our investigatory system. Moreover, as to whether or not they belong to the Copper theft, that continues to be to be figured out through the investigation.”
“I think if there were some much faster activity, perhaps it can have been a deterrent,” Crawford stated.
Crawford claimed she additionally addressed those worries to Dallas Police Principal Daniel Comeaux at a city center meeting recently.
Replacements might set you back more than $ 100, 000, Crawford said, as tolls have been making it extra challenging to change systems.
Regardless of the wait, the church is still standing solid.
“We still have to do the work of the Lord despite what has actually taken place,” Crawford said.
The church is raising funds to acquire new air conditioners. To donate, click below