VIENNA Burglar strikes churches, lodge

Detectives say they have made no arrests but are still investigating.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
VIENNA -- A burglar hit three churches and a Masonic Lodge early Sunday.
The Trumbull County Sheriff's department is investigating the burglaries at St. Vincent De Paul Church, Masonic Lodge 778, Vienna Presbyterian Church and Vienna United Methodist Church, all on Warren-Sharon Road.
Detectives said they are investigating but have made no arrests.
"We will be talking to people today and continue the investigation," said Capt. Gary Bacon.
Detectives noted that they don't know what the prowler was looking for because not much was taken from any of the buildings.
Items taken: At the Vienna United Methodist, a brick was thrown through a basement window on the north side. A claw hammer was taken from a took box, and a candle was taken from the altar area. Deputies believe the burglar used the candle for light.
Reports state that deputies attempted to get prints from the candle holder but were not successful.
Deputies said they don't believe anything was taken from the Masonic Lodge but that the person went through all three floors. Reports state that it appeared the burglar tried to open a safe in the basement but couldn't; nothing else appeared to be moved or missing.
Doors inside the Presbyterian Church were damaged, but only a candle was reported missing, according to the reports.
"It appeared as if the pastor's office door was hammered on for some time until the door knob fell off," reports state. "This person went through the cabinets and closets looking for something, possibly cash, but none is kept in the church."
Several interior windows at St. Vincent De Paul Church were broken, but nothing was reported taken, according to the reports.