Austin’s Greater St John Bible Church is offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection to a theft that occurred at the church last week.
The church’s security cameras captured images of a man vandalizing the property at 1256 N. Waller Ave. Oct. 5. The Rev. Ira Acree said in an effort to steal copper, the suspect desecrated the church’s property, destroying the Internet system, telephone lines and Comcast equipment.
Acree said this is the second time in a year that theft has occurred at the church. A year ago, four central air conditioner units were stolen off the church’s premises, he said.
“This person didn’t have to steal from us,” Acree said. “Had he just asked, we would have gone out of our way to help him. That’s the spirit of our church.”
Acree said they’re offering the reward to sound an alarm, loud and clear, that the residents of Austin are sick and tired of this kind of behavior, and it will no longer be tolerated.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Chicago Police Department: 312-744-8263.
Flyer courtesy of Ira Acree