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The Oct. 17 incident was caught on a security camera inside the church’s nursery.
Josh Bevan, founding pastor of the church, knew something was wrong Sunday morning when he arrived at the church and noticed pry marks on some of the doors. Someone had broken into the church through the back door. Bevan said days later they realized that the burglar was captured on one of the church’s interior security cameras.
“We have had thousands of visitors come through these doors, but it was not anybody that I recognized on the video,” Bevan said. “We don’t keep stores of money here ... he effectively went through and did quite a bit of damage.”
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The burglar pried open about a dozen doors and cut a four-foot hole in the ceiling, which led to water damage inside.
The church has since enhanced its security, incorporating an alarm system in case of another burglary.
Bevan said he’s not vengeful toward whoever did it, but hopes that person understands that it was wrong.
“One of my first thoughts was disappoint toward what the guy had done,” Bevan said, “but then I thought God could say there’s a lot of things that we do to disappoint him as well ... I would just like to see him repent and get right with God really over this situation.”
Bevan said he started the church about eight years ago with eight members. The “younger, blue-collar church” has grown, with up to 450 people attending Sunday services, he said.
If you can help in the investigation, call the detective assigned to the case at (937) 376-7210.
UPDATE @ 10:25 a.m.
Police in Xenia are asking for help in identifying a man who broke into the Lighthouse Baptist Church, 2040 W. Second St., Xenia.
If you can help in the investigation, call the detective assigned to the case at (937) 376-7210.
EARLIER
Police in Xenia are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who was caught on a surveillance camera.
The video shows a man dressed in shorts and a T-shirt walking around a room and turning lights on.
Police have not released any details about the investigation, including where and when the apparent burglary occurred.
If you can help in the investigation, call the detective assigned to the case at (937) 376-7210.
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