Three Salley Baptist churches report break-ins

AIKEN --- Aiken County Sheriff's Office is investigating break-ins at three Salley Baptist churches, and a case of arson at a Wagener Baptist church.

Between Monday and Tuesday, investigators believe someone broke into Jerusalem Branch Baptist Church, located in the 500 block of Jerusalem Branch Road, according to an incident report. Two bricks were thrown into a window to gain entry. Church officials told police a desktop computer, copier, stereo and camera were stolen from the church.

About 3 miles away during the same time period, church officials reported a burglary at Friendship Baptist Church located in the 100 block of Green Acres Road, according to a sheriff's report. Someone broke into a side window, and stole a computer, DVD player and a CD player.

Corinth Baptist Church, located in the 200 block of Corinth Church Road, Salley, was also broken into some time between Sunday night and Tuesday afternoon, according to a sheriff's report. Investigators observed a kicked-in door at the church, where the vandal made entry. However, there were no items stolen.

In the nearby town of Wagener, deputies are investigating a case of arson at Rosa Hill Baptist Church, located on Little Rock Road. Church officials told police the incident happened Tuesday morning. Somebody attempted to burn the front entrance of the church, according to a sheriff's report. Burned pine needles were found near the doors, but there was no indication of forced entry.

Sheriff's Sgt. Dave Myers said investigations into these incidents are under way, and investigators have not determined whether the crimes are connected.

Reach Stephanie Toone at (803) 648-1395 or stephanie.toone@augustachronicle.com.