Woonsocket church robbed twice in one day

Posted: 07/14/12 at 10:55 pm EDT      Last Updated: 07/15/12 at 11:20 pm EDT

WOONSOCKET, R.I. (WHDH) -- Police said a Rhode Island church was the target of thieves twice in the same day. Church leaders said everything from electronics to cash was taken.

The 200-year-old River United Methodist Community Church in Woonsocket was robbed twice in one day.

The first robbery occurred while Pastor Rebecca Lambert and her staff were having lunch downstairs.

“It was a handful of equipment, an amp, a mixer, the computer, the monitor,” said Pastor Lambert.

All in a matter of 15 minutes said the pastor.

Then, it happened again, after the church closed its doors for the evening.

“They busted down my office door which is the secure room that we have in the office. I just found out that I’m going to be a grandmother, and I had the sonogram pictures taped to the computer. I, I just would’ve been happen if they just tore them off and left them, but they didn’t,” said Pastor Lambert.

The thieves went to the pastor's office, where they stole equipment and about 30 dollars.

That’s enough to provide a week's worth of meals to those in need.

“We forgive them, but it’s just sad. I can’t believe somebody had it in them to want to come and do that,” said Lamonda Barr, a church member.

Because of the nature of the crimes, the pastor believed there was more than 1 suspect and they knew the workings of the church.

“For someone to be able to walk in during the middle of the day, the middle of the afternoon and walk out with that much equipment in less than 20 minutes, it’s somebody who knows,” said Pastor Lambert.

No arrests have been made but Pastor Lambert said police are investigating the double robbery.

Have a story idea or news tip for 7NEWS?

Email: newstips@cw56.com, or call us at 1-800-280-TIPS.