A\u00a0small Ahwatukee congregation is reeling from the theft of all the cooper wiring for its parking lot lights.<\/p>\n
The theft occurred the night of March 31 at Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 3501 E. Chandler Blvd., forcing the church to reach out to the community for help.<\/p>\n
Pastor Fred Gerlach said \u201cour guess it will be in the range of $3,000 to $5,000\u201d to replace the wiring.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Phoenix\u00a0Police have been notified and are increasing patrols at night by our location,\u201d Gerlach said, adding the theft is \u201cmostly likely linked with the nail salon vandalism which happened not too far from us.\u201d<\/p>\n
The theft also impacts the church\u2019s early education center.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor just a few dollars\u2019 worth of scrap copper, they caused thousands of dollars in damage and left our entire parking lot completely dark,\u201d one congregant said.<\/p>\n
She said the church and school \u201cserve families with young children, preschoolers, and a church community with limited resources.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis theft is especially frustrating because it hits a modest congregation that already stretches every dollar to serve our community. They need to repair or replace the damaged lighting system quickly so families can gather safely for worship and events.\u201d<\/p>\n
A 30-35% surge in copper prices has sparked a resurgence of copper thefts throughout the country \u2013 and a crackdown on thieves.<\/p>\n
AT&T recently posted a warning, stating, \u201cAcross the country, these incidents are disrupting communications, impacting emergency services, and costing millions in repairs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Family of Christ Lutheran is hoping people will \u201chelp a small church recover from this senseless act.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cYour generosity means our parking lot can once again be a safe, well-lit place for worship, learning, and fellowship,\u201d a congregant added.<\/p>\n