For the third time in 3 months the First Baptist Church on South Fourth Street in Smithfield has been the victim of a crime.
This week, church pastor Rev. Lee Colbert reported to Smithfield Police someone stole a bird bath and a plaque from outside the church. The items were worth about $200. Police Captain R.K. Powell told WTSB News on Thursday the theft is under investigation but so far no arrests have been made.
In June, someone removed copper gutters from two downtown churches and a senior living center, including First Baptist. Smithfield Police later obtained warrants for two Wayne County men they said were responsible.
In May, a church van sustained $500 in damage due to someone vandalizing a window overnight while the van was parked in the church parking lot. No charges were ever filed in that incident.
Anyone with information about the most recent theft or the vandalism is asked to contact the Smithfield Police Department at 919-934-2121 or the Smithfield Police Tip Line at 919-989-8835.
