When a member of the Long Branch Disciples of Christ Church showed up at their sanctuary Sunday they discovered where they had been hit by HVAC thieves. Two units had been stripped of their parts.
The rural church, located on Barefoot Road in the Meadow community, was the fourth church in as many weeks to report heating and air conditioning units had been stolen.
Frederick Strickland of Benson, the Deacon Chairman at Long Branch Disciples told WTSB News the theft has been upsetting to him and other church members. “It definitively makes you feel violated. These people are without a conscious,” Deacon Strickland said. “What kind of people would do that. It’s the Lord’s house. That’s what really bothers me.”
The church is insured for the estimated $20,000 loss, but will have to come up with funds to pay the $1,000 deductible they have on their insurance policy.
Strickland is hopeful the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office can catch those responsible. As for those who committed the crime, Strickland said, “We have to pray for them and hope they realize what they are doing and confess.”
Anyone who saw any suspicious activity around the Long Branch Disciples of Christ Church at 1921 Barefoot Road is asked to contact sheriff’s investigators at 919-989-5000.
