Copper Thieves Cost Local Churches Thousands in Damages

Pastors at Swift Creek Missionary Baptist and Swift Creek United Methodist are picking up the pieces after 9 air conditioning units were destroyed between both churches.·

“They came in, cut the lock on the gate and after that they tore up 6 of our air conditioning units,” says Pastor Donnie Bryant, Swift Creek Missionary Baptist.

These crimes are happening all over Middle Georgia. Churches are common places where thieves can find copper and easily trade it in for cash. Since January, 49 copper thefts have been reported in Bibb County. In the past two weeks 5 people were arrested.

“We’ve made several arrests but there’s several more out there,” says Captain Mike Smallwood, Bibb County.