FAYETTE COUNTY, Ga. — Deputies are asking local congregations to be vigilant after thieves struck two Fayette County church parking lots during Sunday services.
"We've never had anything like that happen to us before," said Ken Chambers, business administrator for Flat Creek Baptist Church in Fayetteville.
He said several members walked out of the Sunday service on May 1, only to discover the belongings in their cars were gone.
"Churches aren't really exempt from anything anymore," Chambers said to Channel 2 Action News reporter Manuel Bojorquez.
The criminals mostly searched for cars that were unlocked, according to investigators.
But during the Mother's Day Service at New Hope Baptist Church in north Fayette County, investigator Brent Rowan said someone broke the window of a car and took out the valuables.
Rowan said that church was also hit on April 17.
"The biggest tip we can give to our community is just don't leave valuables in your car," Rowan said.
Deputies released surveillance video to Channel 2 Action News showing two people investigators say are the suspects.
The pair purchased athletic shoes at a store in East Point, authorities said. Investigators tracked them down by finding where the victims' credit cards were used after the thefts.
Deputies said the pair also stole cell phones and GPS receivers, and could be driving a black compact car, possibly a Honda Civic or Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Fayette County Sheriff's Office.