Two Candler County churches burglarized within days, investigators seek public help

METTER, Ga. (WTOC) - Two churches in Candler County have been burglarized in less than a week, leaving communities on edge.

Salem Baptist Church, located on Salem Church Road, was broken into Monday night. Four days earlier, Saint Matthews Missionary Baptist Church on St Matthews Church Road was hit.

Captain Stanley Slater of the Candler County Sheriff’s Office said in cases like these, it’s usually the same person or group.

“It takes a special, and I will use the word special, type of person to break into a church and violate somebody’s place of worship,” Slater said.

Members of Salem Baptist said this isn’t the first time. The church has been burglarized three times in eight years. This time, thieves took a brand new paint sprayer and a freezer.

The two churches sit in rural Metter, just three miles apart. Neighbors believe the remote location made them a target.

Investigators are asking for the public’s help.

“We are looking for the community’s assistance in any way if they’ve seen anything suspicious around either of the two churches that were burglarized or any churches in the area,” Slater said.

Sheriff’s office launches church registry

The sheriff’s office has created a registry for local churches, asking leaders to complete a survey and provide contact information for emergencies.

In a social media post, the sheriff’s office said it wants to be in the best position to communicate, respond and support churches when it matters most.

“Having accurate information helps us coordinate more effectively during emergencies and address potential safety concerns,” the post said.

The registry is for church facilities only, not for individual members. Pastors and church leaders can complete the survey at https://arcg.is/DerSi0.

Slater said no tip is too small. The Sheriff’s Office asks anyone in the area to review home security footage.

“Call us, and call us immediately if they see anything around a church or hear anything suspicious,” Slater said. “It’s one of those things where nothing is insignificant, if somebody knows something we would like to know it.”

Anyone with information can call the Candler County Sheriff’s Office at 912-685-2568.