All around the Mahoning Valley, churches are being targeted by criminals looking for money, electronics or other valuables.
''It's difficult for many churches, because on one hand, they're trying to be Christian about this and turn the other cheek,'' said Warren police Chief John Mandopoulos. "But on the other hand, you have to be accountable for the money. People will report the break-in, because their parishioners expect it. But they're often very reluctant to pursue the charges."
Thieves have targeted Baptist, Catholic, Lutheran and non-denominational churches in Warren, Austintown and Youngstown in recent months. More than a dozen churches have been victimized. One church, Highway Tabernacle in Austintown, was broken into twice.
Sometimes witnesses report seeing a suspect to police, and other times, the breakins occur overnight.
''Churches are seen as soft targets because many times, they don't have alarm systems,'' said Jeff Hawkins, executive director of the Cincinnati-based consultants the Christian Security Network. After spending 30 years in law enforcement, Hawkins said he was asked to provide security for an international Christian ministry.
''God puts you where he wants you,'' he said. After that, he began lecturing on security for faith-based organizations and now offers seminars and training for faith-based organizations. He graduated from the Chicago Police Academy, and has worked with the FBI and counter-terrorism agencies in Israel, according to his company's web site.
''Many churches may look at a crime like a breakin and say, if someone is taking something from me, that must mean they really need it,'' Hawkins said. ''That is not a good way to look at it.'' He likened it to giving a person addicted to drugs a cash gift, no questions asked.
''People in social ministries will tell you that is the worst thing to do," Hawkins said. "You can help people, but you don't have to give them money."
Mandopoulos said many of the crimes being committed against local churches could be attributed to drug addiction. People know that many churches have food pantries or clothing donation closets. These things can be sold for cash, the police chief said. Money given in tithes or collection plates also have been stolen, according to the police reports. Some churches have been targeted around major holidays, when collections could be larger.
''In these economic times, church congregations know exactly what they're tithing for,'' Hawkins said.
Nancy Yuhasz, chancellor for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown, said the money given in the offertory at local churches and parishes supports many different programs.
''There are special collections for the food kitchen or special assistance funds,'' she said. ''The money in the offertory goes to support the parish, to maintain the buildings and other facilities," she said.
Hawkins said his company tries to help churches and congregations find solutions to security problems. Not all of these choices cost money, he said.
"There's no cookie cutter approach," he said. "Not every church needs electronics like alarms and cameras. We don't sell these products, although we can find vendors for churches if they need it. There are many things faith based organizations can do without spending money,'' he said.
Yuhasz said security arrangements for diocese churches are made by individual parishes. Some have opted for security systems; others have used guards at times, she said.