Fifth Ward church falls victim to theft for third time

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- Leaders of a church on the northeast side of Houston are stunned someone would steal from a place of worship. They were targeted by thieves apparently trying to make a buck off scrap metal.

It happened at Olivet Missionary Baptist Church, located in the 3100 block of Lyons Ave in the Fifth Ward. The 80-year-old church says this isn't the first time they've been targeted.

"We've had quite a bit of thievery going on here at the church," Deacon Robert Boytin said.

Pieces of the church building's wrought iron fence were recently stolen for the third time.

"We've had three separate occasions of parts of this fence being stolen," Deacon Michael Pugh said. "Last Monday night, four sections were taken."

Like many churches, there's not a lot of extra money for repairs. They estimate the cost at $3,600-3,800.

"That's a lot of money for the church," Boytin said.

They believe the crooks simply want the scrap iron. But what they want is for that thief or thieves to bring back the fence and ask for forgiveness.

"Change your way of thinking and find you a job somewhere, and take care of your business that way," Boytin said. "Stop stealing from the church. That's not the way to go."

Anyone with information on this theft is asked to call Houston police or Crime Stoppers.

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local, elissa rivas

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