Investigators are seeking the public's help in catching three men suspected of robbing a church.
- Thieves stole lawn equipment valued at approximately $500
- At least 10 break-ins at the church in the past 10 years
Hillsborough County deputies released surveillance pictures taken at the New Hope Church in Brandon. The photos show three men loading a wheelbarrow full of lawn equipment into the back of a Jeep Cherokee Monday night. One man wearing a "Batman" t-shirt is seen twice in the video.
New Hope Church Pastor Jamie Westlake says it was about $500 worth of equipment.
“They drove through here real quick and they came right back into this section here and took about $500 in lawn equipment,” Westlake said. “They were gone in probably less than five minutes.”
Among the items stolen: a plastic box of assorted power tools, a bag of golf tools, a bag of golf clubs, and a water purifying system. Westlake says he's not sure why someone would steal such items from a church.
“I have no clue what their motivation would be," said Westlake. "It seems like such a small amount to potentially get caught and go to jail for."
Due to the church's history of break-ins, the New Hope Church is surrounded by surveillance cameras. They’ve had at least 10 break-ins in the last 10 years.
Westlake says the church will pray for the thieves responsible, and had a message for them.
“God loves you. And we love you. We’d be happy to have our stuff back. But we’re praying for you,” Westlake said.
Anyone with information about the people responsible for this church theft is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS (8477). Those providing information could be eligible for up to $3,000 in reward money.