Lincoln police now say there have been nine burglaries reported at churches since July 12th in Lincoln and Lancaster County.

Officer Katie Flood says in each incident, the burglaries occurred during the overnight hours, and the suspects are breaking through a window. She says a basement window is often the point of entry. Flood says the thieves are targeting electronics, cash and church vending machines. Flood says in two of the cases, witnesses reported seeing a suspect, and the description matches in both cases.

Flood says the suspect is described as a white male, in his 20's, around 5'10", and 150 to 180 pounds. Police do not have any specific suspects right now, but they are encouraging citizens to keep an eye on area churches.

"Members of the congregation or people that work at the church also, feel free to stop by th churches at unusual times just to make sure that everything is secure and there isn't anyone lurking about," Flood says.

Flood says most churches are locking doors, but that's not stopping the thieves. Most of the burglaries have occurred in southeast Lincoln, but one church at 5001 S. 1st street in the county has been hit twice. Flood says witnesses described seeing only one suspect in two different cases, but she says in looking at shoe prints left at the scene of the burglaries, there's most likely two people involved.

The total theft loss in the church burglaries is $11,495.00. You can see where all of the recent burglaries have occurred by looking at the map link attached to this story.

If you know anything about the burglaries, call Crimestoppers at 475-3600.