A venerable community mainstay was hit by thieves who broke through a door and stole cash from the Center Moriches Methodist Church thrift sale.
According to church trustee president Tom Muller, the burglars broke open a safe containing $2,104 in thrift-sale proceeds, as well as robbing the petty cash drawer and taking about $200 in donations.
“They knew where the money was, and they went after it,” Muller said, speculating that the thrift sale operation was cased in advance of the break-in. “They had knowledge that they must have gotten by being in the store during regular hours.”
The perpetrator(s) climbed an exterior fire escape and broke a hole in a wooden door before letting themselves in. They used a crowbar to pry open the safe, causing significant damage, Muller reported. The theft is under investigation by Suffolk Police, and anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.
The thrift sale has long been an important funding source for the church, with proceeds used to maintain the historic Main Street building and sponsor programs such as a weekly food pantry. “A number of local families rely on the food pantry, and it’s a shame someone would do this,” Muller said. The thrift sale is well stocked with shoes and clothing donated by area residents and serves as a lifeline for those less fortunate.
The volunteer operation has also been targeted by thieves pilfering donations left on the front porch. “We’ve had people go into the bin and hand out items to accomplices waiting outside,” Muller said, adding that it was the first time in the 40 years of running the store that someone had broken into the building. The store used to accept donations of all kinds but in recent years has limited it to apparel.