Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Several churches holding Wednesday night service were more alert after a recent string of car break-ins.

"I try to tell my grandchildren all the time not to leave anything in the car or laying around that can be taken," said Mikell Jones, Central Community Church member.

Jones kept her purse and bible close to her and out of the car during Wednesday night services at her church.

"We've had so many cars broken into, not just here, but we live in Goddard and we've had several houses around us broken into and cars taken. Evidently it's been really bad just recently," said Jones.

Car burglars struck Wichita for the second weekend in a row. They went to churches on the west side of town while congregations were inside, including Central Community Church. A member had her car window broken and her purse taken on Sunday.

"We're trusting. We want to believe that no one's going to take our stuff. So, we leave it in there. We have people that come from outside the community, outside of Wichita, and in their little communities they can leave their doors unlocked and it's not a big deal," said Greg Smith, executive pastor for Central Community Church.

Staff at the church are reminding members, through bulletin board messages and announcements, to make sure all valuables are out of sight.

"People are watching all the time. If there's a bad guy out there or somebody that has the potential to break into a vehicle or a residence, if you have something out in plain sight, it's just an invitation," said Deputy David Rank with the Sedgwick County Sheriff's department.

Pastor Smith plans to have volunteers stand outside and keep an eye out this Sunday. He is also advising church members to be more vigilant in the parking lot.