Local Church Vandalized and Burglarized

Los Angeles: 77th Area burglary detectives are investigating the vandalism and burglary at a local church in South Los Angeles.

On Sunday, February 8, 2009, 77th Area officers responded to a report of burglary at the Saint Mark United Methodist Church, located at 8305 South Gramercy Place.  

A preliminary investigation revealed during the early morning hours of February 8, unknown suspect(s) severely vandalized and burglarized the church.  A stained glass window of the church was shattered and several walls including the Holy Cross were spray painted with obscenities.  

Additionally, the suspect(s) gained entry into the sanctuary and removed a drum set.

The total damages exceed $21,000.  

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Detectives Ross Nemeroff or Jorge Trejo, 77th Burglary Section, at 213-485-4175.  After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247).  Callers may also text “CRIMES” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on Web Tips.  When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.”  All calls and contacts are anonymous.