DILLON, SC (WBTW) – A rash of burglaries targeting the Tabernacle of God Church in Dillon has Pastor Larry Williams planning a new strategy to keep criminals away.
Pastor Williams has served as pastor of the Tabernacle Church of God for the past 32 year and his church was recently robbed for the fourth time in the past four months on Tuesday.
“They broke in that door twice, came in that window on that side once and came in here for the fourth time,” explained Williams.
Williams says he feels the church has built a strong foundation in the community but he’s disappointed by what’s happened to the church.
The pastor says Tuesday night the burglars didn’t get away with what they intended because of a neighbor calling police.
“They broke out the cabinet, took the speaker out and left the cabinet,” said Williams.
After that burglary, the church and the pastor had had enough.
“I’m an ex-military guy and I know the next step to take,” Williams mentioned.
Williams took that next step Thursday afternoon and placed crime block drop boxes near the church.
“These boxes do work and we’re actually going to utilize them,” he said.
The purpose of the crime block drop box is for people to report information on any crime. All you have to do is write your tip on a piece of paper, drop it into the box and your tip will remain anonymous.
“It’s not cool to be a snitch but it’s cool to turn in a criminal,” said Williams.
Williams says the damage to the church combined with the stolen merchandise totals about $5,000.
