Thieves steal thousands of dollars of tools from Renton church
RENTON, Wash. — A Renton church in the middle of constructing a new sanctuary has now been the target of thieves.
Renton Police said someone stole thousands of dollars worth of power tools volunteers desperately need to finish the project.
Police think the thieves used a drill to break into a trailer outside the sanctuary construction site.
Even sadder — the church is not surprised.
“It’s just something I’ve come to expect,” said Pastor Dan Gannon. “We’ve seen many burglaries in my 16 years here.”
Gannon said the latest burglary was the biggest amount.
Someone snatched between $5,000 to $10,000 worth of construction tools from a trailer where they’re locked up.
The stolen tools ranged from nail guns, saws and drills.
Volunteers came to work on the new sanctuary Tuesday morning, but tools were gone.
“The very people who are probably stealing the things from us are those we are trying to reach,” said Gannon.
It’s a labor of love for volunteers leading the effort to build the new $1.3 million sanctuary which will now only cost half the price.
“We need the tools, we need to replace them or else they can’t work,” said Gannon.
Renton police said just a month ago, someone stole tools and supplies from a storage shed at the construction site at Coulon Park. Investigators don’t know if the two cases are connected.
The pastor said since the tools belonged to volunteers, the church’s insurance can’t cover their cost. He hopes pawn shops in the area will keep a look out for the tools.
The church hopes to finish the sanctuary construction in July.
“A little frustrating to know that your things have been taken and it’s going to slow down the work,” said Gannon. “But our attitude is: ‘God has taken care of us all the way through, so he will provide the rest of the way as well.’”
If you know anything, call Renton Police.
