A burglary at a Miami church has police searching for suspects.
During the night, suspects allegedly broke into the church and stole cash and electronics equipment.
The senior pastor said the suspects entered the church through the children’s area.
The estimated amount of loss and damage to the church is about $20,000.
Churches have become targets of burglaries. Air conditioning equipment, copper wire, and electronics are often the property sought.
Burglary of a church is known as burglary of an unoccupied structure. Structural burglary, as opposed to residential burglary, is a third-degree felony punishable by up to 5 years in prison.
However, if caught and arrested, the suspects may face additional charges for the damage caused to the church (criminal mischief) and theft.
Eric Matheny is a criminal defense attorney representing clients charged with burglary in Miami-Dade and Broward.