Thieves strike same church in Brighton Park for the second time in weeks, police report

CHICAGO (WLS) — Thieves have targeted a Brighton Park church for the second time in a matter of weeks.

Shortly after a Catholic church in Mount Greenwood was vandalized, another incident occurred on Sunday, raising concerns among church and community leaders about the safety of places of worship during this time of year.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The most recent crime happened overnight, at the Immaculate Conception Five Holy Martyrs church at 44th and California, Chicago police said.

“It was shock, like, what is going on?” Father Miguel Venegas said. “What is happening?”

Father Venegas is grappling with a recent break-in at his parish, marking the second intrusion in a short span. Instead of focusing on the advent season’s spiritual significance, he must now prioritize implementing additional security measures.

“An alarm, a system, that will prevent not only to steal money, but to keep people safe,” Father Venegas said.

Surveillance footage captured at Immaculate Conception Five Holy Martyrs captured a hooded individual approaching the church during the night. Subsequent footage revealed the same person inside the church, seemingly surveying the surroundings before leaving approximately 35 minutes later.

Father Venegas said the thief only made off with $100 to $200.

Alderman Ray Lopez of the 15th Ward worries churches may be an easy target this time of year.

“Especially as we start Advent here with the Catholic faith,” Ald. Lopez said. “You know, you’re gonna have a lot of people going to church, making donations, putting money into these buildings.”

Friday morning, Saint Christina Catholic Church in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood was hit. Police said the suspect broke a window to get inside before stealing several items. The suspect in that break-in is in custody and charges are pending.

“We want to make sure that the police are giving it all the attention that it needs to have to ensure that this does not become a routine occurrence, not just at these churches, but throughout the entire city of Chicago for the next five weeks,” Ald. Lopez said.

While the cash stolen from Immaculate Conception Five Holy Martyrs won’t have a lasting financial impact, Father Venegas says it is a dark cloud hanging over a celebratory time of year.

“This is a moment of hope, a moment of joy, a moment of faith, and this sacred place, and it happens like it brings like sadness and negativity and frustration to the community,” Father Venegas said.

It was not clear if the person seen on security video in the most recent crime is the same person wanted for a burglary at the same church in mid-November.

Chicago police continue to investigate the crimes.