Miami church robbed for second time in one week

MIAMI (WSVN) -- Miami Police are investigating yet another burglary at a Liberty City church. That church has now been victimized twice in the past week.

Miami Police said an unknown number of thieves broke into the Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church, located at 5946 NW 12 Ave. early Tuesday morning. Among the items the thieves got away with were a fax machine, computer and surveillance cameras.

Pastor Douglas Cook is extremely devastated by the recent robberies. "It's heaviness going through my heart to see what they have done in this community for this church, and what I've done to try to lift men's mind, save people from a mean act and train children the right way," he said.

Last Monday, robbers held the pastor and his congregation at gunpoint and robbed them. The pastor's car was also stolen. "This church being victimized for the second time within a week, it really touches at the core of what we do, and it effects every officer that works this area or every officer on the Miami Police Department that someone would victimize the house of God," said Miami Police Maj. Roy Brown.

Miami Police Chief John Timoney is shocked that thieves would target a place of worship. "There are certain lines that even bad guys don't cross, there are some unwritten rules. You just don't bother the clergy, you just don't," he said.

Police are not sure if the two robberies are related. "It doesn't necessarily mean it's the same individual, it may be some knuckle head that didn't realize that something had gone on here. It may be some-- who knows-- some crack head just in the neighborhood trying doors and was able to get in here," said Timoney.

Miami Police dusted for fingerprints at the scene of the crime and will continue to investigate both robberies.

Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church will hold a prayer service Friday, Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. The church is asking for the community's support.

If you have any information on this robbery, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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