Authorities Investigate Rash Of Thefts At Sampson Churches

SAMPSON COUNTY, N.C. — Sampson County churches are on alert after a string of church break-ins.

Investigators say burglars hit 13 churches in the last six weeks. At least three churches -- Peniel Pentecostal, Union Chapel AME Zion and Harmony Baptist -- have been hit more than once.

They say the thieves stole audiovisual equipment and computers.

Investigators say they have not seen a series of thefts like this in four or five years. They cannot explain the rash of church break-ins, and they do not know if the crimes are related.