Thieves Strike At City Church In Homestead

  Homestead’s CityChurch was the target of thieves who broke in to the facility and got away with an estimated $20,000 worth of music and electronics equipment.

  Pastor Christopher Coppolo told the News Leader that the theft happened overnight after Sunday services.

  “We, as many churches do, rely heavily on music for our services, and to see this equipment stolen like this really sets us back,” said Coppolo. “I got a call from our maintenance guy and his first words were ‘Chris, I hope you’re sitting down,’ so I knew it wasn’t good news.”

  According to Coppolo, the thieves broke into the church on the night of October12 and made off with a brand new sound board, as well as monitors, speakers, and other electronic equipment.

  “We have talked with the insurance company, and now we have to tell our congregation,” said Coppolo. “We will raise the money back. We will have to just improvise over the next couple of weeks. We have several professional musicians come in and perform during our services, and music is what they live for. This theft puts them out for a while.”

  While the facility does have security cameras, the two locations not covered are the sanctuary and Krome Ave., something Coppolo says will be changing.

  “Since we have a school on the grounds with us, we have cameras almost everywhere except those places,” he stated. “We assume it was some sort of inside job since they used the two locations that didn’t have camera coverage. They probably pulled up, walked out with the equipment, and drove off.”

  Despite the crime having been committed, Coppolo says he wishes to help those who felt the need to steal from his church.

  “If the people who took these things return them, there will be no charges filed,” said Coppolo. “Instead, I would like to forgive them and help them, because that’s what a church is all about. We help those in need.”