It used to be that priests and ministers cared more about getting people into church than keeping them out.They still like to see the pews filled during Sunday services, but they also like to see church buildings locked up tightly once those services are over.
Burglars often target churches to score cash, musical instruments and sound equipment, said Rose Hammes, director of communications for the Catholic Diocese of La Crosse. Even religious artifacts such as gold chalices have value on the black market, she said.
It's sad that we have to keep our churches locked, but it's a sign of the times," Hammes said. "The Catholic Church, while it's not like other businesses, still has to protect its property."
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