Police Investigating Rash of Church Burglaries

Several burglaries have targeted West Hartford churches, three of which have been reported in the past 24 hours, West Hartford policy said.

The West Hartford Police Department issued a press release Tuesday afternoon, stating that, "The burglar(s) appear to be targeting religious complexes that have auxiliary functions as well as worship areas. The incidents are under investigation and officers and detectives are reviewing the cases to see if any of the events are related."

Within the past 24 hours, burglaries have been reported at at 12 South Main Street, at 2080 Boulevard, and the at 155 Mountain Road.

A burglary was reported Jan. 5 at at 90 North Main St.

There were visible signs of forced entry, including property damage, at all locations, according to Detective Dane Semper of the West Hartford Police Department.

Further information cannot be released at this time in order to not hamper the police investigation, Semper said.

was closed on Tuesday as a result of the break-in.

Semper said that the police have increased their patrols of church properties. They are also cautioning pastors and staff of all houses of worship to take proper precautions, secure the premises when the buildings are empty, use alarm systems, notify police in the event of a burglary attempt.