Thieves target church parking lots

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Story Published: Nov 11, 2007 at 5:05 PM PST

By Elissa Harrington

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NEAR DOWNTOWN EUGENE - Thousands of vehicle break-ins are reported each year in Eugene. Victim costs are in the millions. Now, Eugene police say an alarming number of thieves are targeting church parking lots.

Like most churches on Sunday mornings, the First Church of Nazarene near Downtown Eugene is holding a prayer service; however, unlike most churches, here, you're greeted by Mel Nott. Nott is one of several volunteers who help folks heading to church. Pastor Vicki Kerns says there's more to it than just that. "One of the blessings that they do is they keep an eye on our cars and our building."

In the past couple weeks, church parking lots have been the scene of numerous car break-ins. Kerry Delf with the Eugene Police Department says, "Someone has figured out when people go into church they might not be coming back out for an hour or two. Lots of times they leave valuable things in the car."

In one case, a woman's garage door opener was taken. While she attended service, thieves burglarized her home.

Most of these reports happened at churches in East Eugene but First Church of Nazarene near Downtown understands the seriousness of this threat. Nott explains, "We've had many years ago theft from the church building. That's when the door greeters were put in place. Then we had theft in cars and that's when we put the outside greeters into place. "

The EPD wants to remind folks church parking lots aren't the only place you could be targeted. It's anywhere you leave your car for an extended period of time. So lock doors, roll up windows, and most importantly never leave valuables in the car especially where they can be seen.

The EPD says criminals are likely to change targets or even move out of town but if they don't, Nott encourages others to consider their successful approach. "It's a good way to get people involved and people feel good about themselves," he says. "And the by-product is very beneficial. You have a sense of security as well."

Officers say they are following up on leads. The First Church of Nazarene has also added security cameras to prevent theft at all hours of the day.

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