Burglars hit four Clearwater churches; cash, van taken

CLEARWATER, Fla. - Police now say a total of four churches were recently burglarized.  Cash was taken in each instance. A van was stolen from one of the churches but was found a short time later.

The break-ins occurred from February 23 - 25.  An undisclosed amount of cash was taken in each instance.  The burglars gained entry by forcing open doors or windows.

The burglarized churches include:

Churches Burglarized:
Skycrest United Methodist Church
2045 Drew Street
Clearwater, Fla.
Burglary occurred between Feb 24-25

Friendship United Methodist Church
2039 Druid Road
Clearwater, Fla.
Burglary occurred between Feb 24-25

Grace Lutheran Church
1812 N. Highland Avenue
Clearwater, Fla.
Burglary occurred on February 23

On Tuesday afternoon, police reported there was also a burglary at the Light of Christ Church at 2176 Marilyn Street on February 22.  Once again, there was forced entry and cash taken.

In addition to cash, a church van was stolen from Grace Lutheran after the keys were found during the break-in. The van was recovered a short time later near Crest Lake Park.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the Burglary Unit at 562-4310 or the Clearwater Police Department Tip Line at 562-4080.