Audio and video equipment stolen from Manatee County church

Someone forced open a window at Happy Gospel Church, 1915 53rd Ave. E., and removed audio and video equipment, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office reports.

The theft was discovered at 12:42 p.m. Monday by Pastor Bill Bailey.

Bailey, who has been pastor of the church for 27 years, said this is the first time anything like that has happened at Happy Gospel.

Several other churches have been hit by burglars as well, Bailey said, adding that he fears this could be a trend.

“It is ironic that we were helping Crosspointe Christian Church with some equipment to help them with the transition after they were burglarized, and then we were hit,” Bailey said.

“Do not feel sorry for us. God will take care of us, and the equipment will be replaced. Feel sorry for the souls who did this. They obviously have no fear of God to rob His church,” Bailey said.

Pastor Jeff Weaver of Crosspointe Christian Church confimed Monday evening that his church was burglarized last week, with the intruder or intruders entering through a window and smashing through a wall to breach the sanctuary and steal electronics.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 941-737-2366, or Crime Stoppers at 866-634-TIPS.

This story was originally published May 30, 2016 at 4:55 PM with the headline "Audio and video equipment stolen from Manatee County church."