Unknown Burglary Suspects Target 4 Churches in Western Washtenaw County

A string of burglaries targeting local churches in western Washtenaw County has law enforcement officials on high alert.

Four area churches were broken into during a seven-day crime spree, according to a press release from the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Jerry Clayton said the burglaries occurred between Oct. 21 and Oct. 29.

In three of the four break-ins, nothing was taken, although offices were ransacked, police said.

• On Oct. 21, unknown individuals gained entry to Salem Lutheran Church, located at 7474 Scio Church Road in Scio Township, by forcing open a small window. No items were taken.
• On Oct. 29, unknown suspects entered St. John's Lutheran Church in Bridgewater Township and removed cash and a laptop computer.
• Bethel United Church of Christ in Freedom Township was also burglarized on Oct. 29, with suspects gaining entry to the building and ransacking offices looking for money and other property.
• On Oct. 30, the Clinton Church of God located at 13080 Clinton Road in Bridgewater Township was burglarized but no items were taken.

Police said in the course of investigating the incidents, deputies discovered numerous other burglaries to churches in Lenawee County and northern Ohio.

There are no suspects at this time. The Washtenaw County Sheriff is asking the public to call 911 and report any suspicious people or vehicles that are
observed near churches after hours.