Crime & Safety

Church-Goers Warned About Potential Vehicle Break-Ins

Opportunistic thieves are believed to be behind a vehicle break-in in a church parking lot.

While a family sat down for a service at St. Margaret's Episcopal Church, their car was broken into and documents were taken, which led a group of thieves back to the couple's neighborhood, the church rector said.

Rev. Peter Mayer of St. Margaret's told Patch that on March 10, a car parked at the church for Sunday worship had its window smashed in, and personal items stolen from the vehicle. Among the missing items were documents with the home address of the vehicle's owners.

"Obviously we were alarmed, because it happened during a service, so nobody saw it," Mayer said. 

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Mayer said the couple came home to find nothing missing at their home, but a neighbor's home had been broken into, and items were missing. Police said that break-in happened on Severn Ridge Road, approximately 30 minutes after the break-in at the church—and 2 miles away.

Justin Mulcahy of the Anne Arundel County Police Department said detectives are still investigating the incident, but stopped short of saying the two incidents are linked. 

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Since then, area church-goers have been warned about the potential for vehicle break-ins while service is occurring. A newsletter was sent to members of the Asbury United Methodist Church, urging church-goers to, "lock your cars; hide your personal information or take it with you," while attending services.

The parking lot at St. Margaret's is now patrolled while services are underway. Mayer asked other churches to examine their current security measures, if they have any.

Mulcahy urged vehicle owners to be cautious, and to ensure their car doors are locked and valuables secured when they are away—regardless of where they are parked.


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