Security video at Calvary Temple in St. Peters has captured the same two women climbing into the church’s roadside donation box again and again, with church leaders saying it has happened about 30 times over more than six months.
Recent incidents were recorded on February 23, March 28 and April 26, according to church leaders. Volunteers and pastors say the thieves have taken bags of donated clothing and even made off with a surveillance camera. Police have been notified.
According to First Alert 4, the security footage shows the women repeatedly targeting Calvary Temple’s donation box. The station reports that church leaders confirmed the long-running pattern of theft. Pastor Scott Mays told the outlet, “We’ve had people who’ve gotten into the box and steal all the clothes, which is a travesty in itself,” and urged anyone who recognizes the suspects to contact police.
How the Church Closet Works
Calvary Temple runs a Community Clothing Closet that is designed to keep donated clothing flowing to local families who need it. According to the church website, families with referral forms can receive free bags of clothing, while others can purchase bags for $7.
The website notes that donations can be dropped off at a yellow shed on the church property, and that the closet operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers work to keep items in good condition so people who rely on the ministry can count on what is on the racks.
Theft Pattern and Security Hit
First Alert 4 reports that the two women took turns squeezing through a small access flap on the donation box to reach the clothing bags inside. Each time they entered church property to remove the bags, they were trespassing.
The outlet also reports that at least one surveillance camera was stolen during one of the incidents. St. Peters police have been notified about the thefts, and at the time of the station’s coverage, no arrests had been reported.
How Neighbors Can Help
Anyone who recognizes the women in the surveillance video is asked to contact the St. Peters Police Department. For emergency dispatch, residents can call 636-278-2222, or reach the City of St. Peters at 636-477-6600, as listed on the city’s website.
Theft from donation boxes is not unique to this church. Other communities have dealt with similar problems, and national coverage has documented cases where houses of worship and charity bins were targeted, showing how these crimes divert help away from people who need it. CBS News has previously reported on comparable incidents.
Leaders at Calvary Temple say the repeated thefts have undercut a program that exists specifically to help local families. They are asking anyone who uses or passes by donation sites to stay alert and to report what they know, so those bags of clothing can finally reach the people they were intended to help.
