Thieves Strike Church Parking Lot During Weekend Services

LAKELAND, FL -- Thieves struck a crowded church parking lot in Lakeland as worshippers attended weekend services steps away, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

The incident happened Saturday in the parking lot of the Lake Gibson Church of Nazarene at 6868 North Socrum Loop Road in Lakeland.

"Unfortunately, there were at least two people out in the parking lot breaking the Commandment: 'Thou Shalt Not Steal,' explained a spokesperson for the sheriff's office on Tuesday in asking for the public's help in finding the bandits. "Of course, there's also a Florida law against stealing too."

The sheriff's office also released surveillance video of the incident.

"You can see a man running car to car, looking into vehicles for valuables and smashing windows to get the items," the spokesperson said. "Purses, credit cards, IDs, and personal items were stolen."

Watch below as thieves strike a crowded church parking lot during weekend services:

One of the bandits appeared to be driving a black Chrysler Pacific while another walked alongside the vehicle in the church parking lot.

The spokesperson said two women also captured in the video are believed to have used one of the stolen credit cards to purchase $500 worth of merchandise from Winn Dixie at 6600 North Socrum Loop Road.

To report a tip, call Detective Ryan at 863-577-1600. Alternatively, call Heartland Crime Stoppers at 800-226-TIPS (8477) or visit www.heartlandcrimestoppers.com.

Image and video courtesy Polk County Sheriff's Office