LIBERTY, Mo. — A Northland church had $8,000 worth of audiovisual equipment stolen after a thief ripped open a moving truck where the gear was stored.
Restoration Church Head Pastor John Stafford said the damage was discovered last Thursday.
The thief, or thieves, slashed a tire on an old U-Haul truck, cut the fuel line and ripped open the top of the vehicle, which was parked just outside the church on Plumbers Way in Liberty.
The crook made off with a soundboard, keyboard, video projector, stage monitors, public-address speakers and microphones. All of it had been donated by a retired minister and current Restoration Church member.
The church, which has a congregation of about 100, had intended to sell the equipment to pay bills for the next month and to help with its goal of eventually buying the building, where services are held.
Stafford has a message for the person who foiled that plan.
"We just want our stuff back, and we believe in forgiveness and helping people," Stafford said, "We want to help you, and it's not too late for you."
Repairs to the truck would cost more than the vehicle is worth, so Stafford said it will likely be scrapped for parts.
The church does have insurance, but the deductible is $5,000.
The Liberty Police Department is investigating the case and can be reached at 816-439-4716.
