Authorities Looking For Church Burglary Suspect In Western Wis.

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The St. Croix County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help after several churches in western Wisconsin were burglarized last weekend.

Authorities say the incidents happened at five churches in St. Croix County. They include Prairieview, Jehovah Witness and First Luthern Church in New Richmond; Redeemer Lutheran in Burkhardt and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Hudson.

The burglaries happened during the dark hours of Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Authorities say the vehicle suspected to be involved is a passenger car, possibly a Pontiac.

Surveillance photos show the thief authorities say is responsible for the burglary spree.

"It's unnerving, and you feel violated just like anbody would feel violated as their home. This is our faith home," Pastor Jim Bump said.

Bump has been the pastor at First Lutheran Church in New Richmond for seven years. It was his church's video cameras in a three year old building that captured the thief in the act.

"He was in a hurry, and he knew what he was doing," Bump said.

The man broke into First Lutheran at around 6 a.m. Saturday morning. Bump says the video showed he tried several doors before he was able to pry one open with a crow bar. He then went room to room, leaving behind broken doors, and taking $40 in cash.

"My grandson gave me fools gold, and at first he thought that was something valuable, and then he left it on the floor before he left," Bump said of the thief caught on video.

Pastor Bump says they don't keep much cash at the church, but for now they've stepped up security for their day care center. He says he's grateful no one was hurt, but hopes they find the person or people responsible.

"For the sake of everybody's safety and security, he's going to be accountable," Bump said. "We'll continue to do what we do each and everyday here."

Pastor Bump also said he heard that some of the other churches had their musical instruments taken. A staff member of another Church that was broken into said they also don't keep a lot of cash in the building in case of unfortunate situations like this.

If anyone saw anything suspicious in those church parking lots or has any information about any of the incidents, you should call the St. Croix County Sheriff's Office at (715) 381-4387.