SAN ANTONIO – The Hillburn Drive Grace Baptist Church in San Antonio is facing an unfortunate situation that has happened not once, but twice in recent months: thieves have stolen the church’s air-conditioning condenser. This essential piece of equipment is crucial for keeping the sanctuary cool and comfortable for its congregation.
The first theft occurred in May, prompting church members to wonder why someone would target their place of worship. In response, they installed a metal enclosure around the condenser in hopes of deterring further thefts. Unfortunately, this added protection proved ineffective when the condenser was stolen again in August.
Gary Grieco, a long-time member of the church for nearly three decades, recounted the incident, noting that the thieves cut through the bolts and the back of the enclosure to remove the condenser. “They literally cut through the bolts,” he stated, showcasing the lengths to which these criminals went.
Now, the church faces a significant financial burden as they look to replace the stolen equipment. Grieco mentioned that the cost for a new system could range from $10,000 to $15,000, and with a high insurance deductible, filing a claim wouldn’t be particularly beneficial. Instead, the church will depend on the generosity of its members to help cover the costs.
The absence of one condenser has been noticeably felt within the church. Although there is a second AC unit at the back of the building, it only cools that area, leaving the sanctuary hot and uncomfortable. To cope with the heat, church leaders have resorted to using fans and a portable AC unit.
In light of the repeated thefts, the church is considering additional security measures, including reinforcing the metal enclosure and installing surveillance cameras around the property. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have surveillance video,” Grieco lamented, emphasizing the need for better protection.
Despite filing a police report with the San Antonio Police Department, the investigation into the theft is now closed, with no suspects apprehended. For Grieco and the church community, the impact of these thefts extends beyond financial loss. “You don’t know the burden you’re not only putting on the finances of the church, but the people who come to the church,” he expressed.
As the church works to secure replacement equipment, they are hopeful that it won’t take long to find a more affordable option. If anyone is interested in helping Hillburn Drive Grace Baptist Church in their search for a new AC condenser, they can reach out to Gary Grieco at 210-675-5484 or 210-912-2570.
