Vandals Hit 25 South Carolina Churches in Past Month

Sheriff’s deputies say 25 churches in two South Carolina counties have been hit by vandals in the past month.

The State reported this week that 19 churches in Lexington County and six in Newberry County have been struck by vandals.

Investigators from the two counties met to discuss the crimes, but were not prepared to say they are linked.

Officials say a break-in at Sardis Baptist Church near Swansea on Sunday night was caught on a night-vision surveillance camera. The video shows two men forcing their way inside.

Lexington Sheriff’s Maj. John Allard says it’s the first time suspects have been photographed.

Authorities don’t have an estimate on the total value of items taken in the break-ins, thought they have included cash, a television, digital cameras and lawn equipment.