Columbus church targeted by thieves twice in recent weeks
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A Columbus church well-known for the work it does in the community has been targeted by thieves.
City of Grace, located on Allegheny Ave on the city’s east side, had not one but two of its HVAC units stolen in the middle of the night.
Whoever is responsible for stealing the two units came back twice after an unsuccessful first attempt. Pastor Michael Young says it’s frustrating, but they’re going to be okay.
City of Grace operates out of a large building. Multiple HVAC units work to keep the church at a comfortable temperature. Pastor Young says while their other units were secured with a metal cage, these two were located on the side of the church that’s more private, only protected by a wood fence.
“Somebody had to have knowledge,” said Pastor Michael Young.
Pastor Young says the thieves first came sometime last week. They were able to cut some of the connection points to the units, but weren’t able to take them. The church’s maintenance team did some repair work and secured it further. However, fast forward to late Saturday night or early Sunday morning, the thieves came back.
“On Sunday morning, about 7:30, I had a knock at my door in my office, and it was one of the men of the church came to me and said, Pastor, I got bad news.”
NBC4 asked Pastor Young what his initial reaction to this news was.
“Obviously, initial reaction is frustrating and probably a little disgruntled. But then my mind also goes to what condition does a person's life have to be that they would stoop so low to steal from a church.”
Pastor Young says replacing the two units is going to cost upwards of $20,000, which also includes adding more security measures. While spending money to replace something that wouldn’t otherwise need it is frustrating, Pastor Young says they’ll make it out on top.
“We're grateful. City of Grace is going to be okay. But we're praying for that for the people,” he said.
He also has a message for those responsible.
“We're praying for you. We love you. And if life is that hard for you, I got a great church that I know that you can come to. Our motto here is no perfect people allowed. So we're praying for them. We hope life takes a better turn. We're ultimately going to be okay, we've had a tremendous amount of love and support from the community.”
Pastor Young says that since this has happened, community members have come out to not only share words of encouragement, but some have made financial donations as well.
If anyone knows anything, you’re asked to contact Columbus Police.