Air conditioning units stolen from Johnston County church, daycare

Both places – in separate incidents – were the targets of suspected thieves overnight Tuesday.

Mount Pleasant Advent Christian Church was stripped of two air conditioning units.

“It’s a bad day when somebody steals from the church,” said Lynette Hobbs or Mount Pleasant Advent Christian Church.

Less than ten minutes away, the Childcare Network was also a target. Officials said four air conditioning units were stolen from the daycare.

“It’s hot; why would someone do this at a childcare center? We keep children from six weeks to 12-years-old,” said Donna Luper, assistant director for Childcare Network.

The daycare quickly brought in portable air conditioning units to combat the heat, and children were moved to a different part of the building that still had air conditioning.

“It’s discouraging. I feel like, it’s just sad that we’re living in a world where people would take advantage of little children,” said Tara Smith, a parent of a child attending Childcare Network. “I mean, they come here every day.”

In 2009, four air conditioning units were stolen from the Childcare Network, and a pair was also stolen in the same year from Mount Pleasant Advent Christian Church.

“Faith is not hard to keep,” said Lynette Hobbs. “That’s what we were founded on, but I’ve had trouble because you’re supposed to pray for people who do stuff like that, so I’m praying for myself, so I can pray for them.”

A spokesperson with the Childcare Network said new air conditioning should be installed by next week, but repairs at the church will take longer.