Thieves had no respect for a church as a rash of burglaries continues in Jackson County.
Aplin Ridge United Methodist Church was victimized sometime Sunday night following evening services that adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Erman Lupardus discovered the break-in Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.
The church was entered through a side door by striking the door with what may haven been a sledgehammer breaking the frame.
Once inside, the thieves went through drawers and cabinets in classrooms and made off with two large Peevy speakers and their stands.
Two outbuildings were also broken into. Entry to one building as gained by prying off the door hasp. The other building had its door struck and pried open.
Two weedeaters were removed from the buildings but left outside.
Deputy Bryan Varney of the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, who investigated, recovered a multitool outside one of the outbuilding which may have been used in the crimes.
A burglary and an attempted burglary were reported Sunday.
Cathy Shamblin of Fisher Ridge Road, Kenna, reported that her residence was Ridge Road, Kenna, reported that her residence was entered sometime between July 10 and July 18. The back door and windows were found open when she returned. Nothing was missing.
Deputy Jon Pinson is investigating.
Joseph A. Smith of Sarvis Fork Road reported an attempted break-in of his residence that occurred between July 9 and July 18.
Pry marks were found on the side door of the garage and and on an inside garage door leading into the house.
A small black Ford was seen in the area driving very slowly by the residence.
Deputy Mike Strobbe is investigating.
Christopher M. Adcock of Plum Orchard Road, Ripley, reported the burglary of his residence sometime between 7:50 a.m. and noon on July 17.
A kitchen window and the front door were found open.
Stolen were a gun safe valued at $500, a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun valued at $230, a CVA .45-caliber muzzleloader valued at $400, a German pellet pistol, miscellaneous knives, a compound bow with case valued at $300, a bow with case valued at $100, a 19-inch Sanyo HDTV valued at $199 and a Toshiba laptop computer valued at $498. The total value of the stolen items is $2,227.
Deputy Mike Strobbe is investigating.
Jay Barber reported the burglary and theft of items from his father’s mobile home. The front door was forced open to gain access.
A lock box was found on the living room with its contests strewn about.
The master bedroom was found ransacked and kitchen cabinets in disarray.
Stolen were a 20-inch Vizio TV valued at $500 and RCA speakers valued at $150. Total value of the stolen items is $650.
Sgt. Todd Roberts is investigating.
Anyone with information that might help with the investigation of these crimes is asked to call the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department at 304-373-2290 or the anonymous Tipline at 304-373-2209.
