By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Church goers in the City of Buffalo are being warned to watch their property while attending worship services Buffalo Police are issuing the warning. They are telling people to be aware of their surroundings and their property while at church services. Police say there has been an unusual amount of larcenies from churches reported in the recent past, that has prompted police to warn the church-going public.
Police say in some cases the victim has been distracted, or left the church pew to receive communion, when the theft occurs. In some instances an entire purse is stolen, or items are removed unbeknownst to the owner.
"Oftentimes these types of crime aren't discovered until the victim is looking for a credit card or driver's license, and realize they were targeted," said Dennis J. Richards, Chief of Detectives.
Police say there was a rash of larcenies last weekend. Four reports occurred on Sunday, November 15th. Police are not sure if they are all related. They occurred in downtown and north Buffalo churches.
"It is a sad reality that the criminal element will take advantage of an opportunity - even if they are in God's house," Richards said.