NEW KENSINGTON (KDKA) – Burglars ransacked a local church, broke windows, cut copper pipes and stole thousands of dollars worth of items on Sunday.

Church officials said at first they thought a boiler had exploded and caused the damage. Then, they realized it was the work of thieves.

The thieves made their entry into the United Presbyterian Church of New Kensington by breaking a window. Then, they ransacked several rooms and made off with cash and computers.

Not only were computers stolen, but Pastor Colin Yuckman said fundraiser money for an upcoming mission trip to Washington, D.C. was also taken.

“We had close to $500 saved for that from this fundraiser and they found that,” Yuckman said.

The most puzzling for church staff was that the suspects ripped down several copper pipes in the boiler room, but left them behind.

Plumbers arrived early Tuesday morning and estimated the damage at a couple of thousand dollars.

“People have naturally been a little shocked by it and agitated, but it’s one of those things that after, brings people together,” Yuckman said.

The plumbers were pretty confident that the hot water would be back on at some point Tuesday, meaning that the church can still host their community Christmas dinner.

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