BARTHOLOMEW COUNTY, Ind. – Several churches were vandalized in Brown and Bartholomew counties over the past month.
Authorities said four churches fell victim this week, which brought the total to five for the month.
The latest church found damaged was Triumphant Baptist Church, located just southeast of Columbus. The neighborhood has been put on alert to find those responsible.
“We watch the property really close,” said Bill Steinker, who lives across the street from the church.
Steinker said he heard an alarm coming from that direction a couple days ago, but assumed it was related to storms earlier in the week.
Bartholomew County Sheriff Matt Myers said windows and flood lights were broken and he believes some of the cases are connected.
"It's continuing to happen so that's disturbing as well. We're going to work with Brown County and other agencies,” said Myers.
Some of the damage is extensive. At Ohio Chapel United Methodist Church crosses were found in toilets, tables were turned over and several small fires were started.
Police plan to add extra patrols near other churches in the counties to prevent more damage.
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