By Carolyn Cole/Staff Writer

Scrooges targeted a Mustang church parking lot Sunday morning while children inside performed “Christmas Bah Humbug” for families.

The thieves stole personal documents and possessions from three unlocked vehicles in the Clear Springs Free Will Baptist Church parking lot between 11 a.m. and noon. Police said thieves also took a 2005 Honda Civic and then took items from its owners’ home, before the family returned.

“It was a bad way to end the morning service,” Pastor Jim Harris said. “You leave church and every one is in a good mood, and then you come out.”

He said his members reported hearing a vehicle engine rumble in the parking lot at about 11:15 a.m., but didn’t think much of it, believing someone was arriving late or leaving early.

“Once this happens, you jump at every noise,” Harris said.

No damage was reported to vehicles. Police Capt. Willard James said the thieves targeted unlocked vehicles.

He said three vehicles were burglarized and personal documents were taken from glove compartments. A stereo valued at $20 was missing from one vehicle and a digital camera valued at $150 was missing from another vehicle. Another car was missing a garage door opener.

Owners of a fourth vehicle, the stolen 2005 Honda Civic, said the vehicle had been left unlocked, according to James.

“He believes they used the key that was in the cup holder,” he said, to start the engine.

After reporting the vehicle stolen, the owner found his home, in the 400 block of West Strasburg Way, was burglarized. He reported to police a Smith and Wesson .38-caliber handgun, two hunting knives and two wooden jewelry boxes with jewelry were missing from the home. The value of the items was estimated at $600.

Police found the vehicle at 7 a.m. Tuesday morning on North Bitter Creek Terrace near East Red River Terrace. James said no damage was reported to the car, but the garage door opener, 30 compact discs, overalls and a rechargeable spotlight were missing. The items have an estimated value of $405.

Before the vehicle was found, Harris said his church members had found a used car to give the family.

“I thought that was impressive, that they were trying to take care of them,” he said.

And Harris’ congregation has learned a lesson. He said starting this week ushers will begin watching the parking lot and staying near the lobby during services.

“You feel like when you come to church it’s a safe place,” he said.

Police haven’t identified any suspects in this case, James said, asking anyone with information to call investigators.

Mustang has recently seen a surge in property crimes, including vehicle thefts, which have resulted in one arrest earlier this month. A 16-year-old boy faces a complaint in connection to two auto larcenies Dec. 3 in Mustang.

James said officers are still looking for another male in connection to the incident.

“This case is still active, and we are searching to identify the second subject,” he said.

James gave this account of events:

A woman in the 500 block of West Carson Drive reported at 1:15 a.m. someone stole her family’s 1984 GMC pickup truck and drove east. She told officers her husband and son followed the vehicle in another car.

Police found the pickup truck on Silver Drive near state Highway 152 and its owner, who told them his son ran after two males who fled from the vehicle. The son later told officers he lost the two as they crossed state Highway 152 and entered a field.

Police searched the area and found a 16-year-old boy in the 200 block of east state Highway 152, who police said was later identified by the owner.

The woman, who first reported the incident, called her husband’s cell phone, telling him before the vehicle was stolen she saw a red Pontiac Grand Am car driving down their street. The man saw a car fitting the description drive south on Silver Drive and followed it.

It was later found in the 600 block of West Shepherd Drive. The vehicle’s steering column was also broken. Police called its owner who said he didn’t know it was missing.