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Burglar Steals from Collection Basket

LOCK HAVEN — A priest in Lock Haven says someone broke into his church over the weekend, vandalized it, and stole money out of a collection basket. On thi...
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LOCK HAVEN -- A priest in Lock Haven says someone broke into his church over the weekend, vandalized it, and stole money out of a collection basket.

On this Ash Wednesday, Newswatch 16 spoke to parishioners at that church in Clinton County. Parishioners mark Ash Wednesday with the sign of the cross at Immaculate Conception in Lock Haven.

"It's a time of actually a joyous time even though it's a time of reflection," said Helen Prien.

For Helen Prein, Immaculate Conception is a place of worship and should be respected. That's why she was surprised to hear someone broke into the church over the weekend, damaged property, and stole $10 from a collection basket.

"For most parishioners, it's a very painful thing when your place your sanctuary your place of worship is defiled in some way," said Prien.

"You know for a person to risk going to jail breaking into a place for $10 just sounds really stupid,” said Rev. Joseph Orr.

Rev. Joseph Orr said Sunday morning, church workers found doors forced open.

"Frame was pulled loose," said Fr. Orr.

A donation box was broken into, but the box was already emptied out over the weekend. Fr. Orr thinks that's why the burglar went looking elsewhere for money.

"When he came in he looked around for ready cash and there was the candle money sitting here and once he had that he took off," said Fr. Orr.

"Terrible things are happening, society is going the wrong way," said Bernie Zbicki from Lock Haven.

Fr. Orr said repairs could cost the church around $1,000.

"We have some very good people in our parish so a couple of the guys in the parish got together and said well we can fix this," said Fr. Orr.

While the church continues with the season of Lent, Lock Haven Police are investigating the break-in.

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