Thieves ransacked a church in Reseda and stole money that was to be used to fund a children's camp.
The burglars made off with $1,200, credit cards, laptops and even the keys to the church van following the raid at Metro Valley Church, which occured between the late hours or Monday and early Tuesday.
The cash that was taken had been set aside to fund a retreat for single mothers, and to pay for a camp that would help under-privileged teenagers. Only the sanctuary itself was left untouched during the raid, with the theives gaining access after breaking a window.
"(They) broke things and stole things... I know there's people that steal out there but when you steal from God's property that's kind of theft on a whole new level." Pastor Brian Cashman
And he was stunned at the lack of respect the thieves had shown in committing the crime.
"You would think God's property would be respected on some different level, Pastor Cashman said, I mean, most of the people (do), most of the time, but some people don't really have that kind of conscience where they have that level of respect for other people's property, or Gods property for that matter."
Parishioners have rallied together following the incident, and have vowed to both repair the damage and replenish the lost funds.
Local
Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.
"We're already committed, so one way or another we're going to make it happen. Whether we need to Get donations or fundraise, we will make it happen," church member Mary Gallardo said.
Church leaders hope the community will turn in those responsible for the crime. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity overnight near Vanowen Street and White Oak Avenue have been asked to contact police.
