Church In Woodberry Falls Victim To Repeat Vandalism
BALTIMORE (WJZ)—Vandals strike again at a church in Woodberry.
Christie Ileto has more on the precautions the church is now taking to prevent a reoccurrence.
In the side parking lot of Shiloh United Church, tires are slashed, a church van is defaced with pink paint and seats inside are ripped.
Part of the church building was even hit.
"Our church, we really try to serve the community," said Pastor Ryan Gholson. "We really try to be of great help, so I don't understand why someone would want to do such a thing."
Pastor Gholson says the church van is used to deliver food, clothes and help seniors. He estimates more than $15,000 in damage.
Despite the setback, Gholson says the church is determined not to put their ministries on hold.
Area residents passing by stopped and surveyed the damage. Many left appalled.
"This is just terrible, especially on a church. It makes it even worst when it's done to a church that doesn't do anything to anyone else," Robert Peddicord, neighbor.
But Gholson says this isn't the first time they've been targeted.
"I was quite disappointed only because we've been having a lot of things happening around the church, some defacing of the building, as well as a fire set behind the building. So this was almost the climax of our frustration," he said.
Police say they're aware of the incident and are looking into it.
In the meantime, the church is taking extra precautions to make sure this doesn't happen again.
"We're working with our insurance company, as well as the administration of the church, to make sure our grounds are well lit, as well as some surveillance cameras," Gholson said.
The church hopes this will stop this pattern of senseless vandalism.
Residents suspect juveniles might be behind the vandalism, but police have not confirmed that speculation.
If you have any information, please contact police.
