Three Meaford churches are the latest to fall prey to thieves.

The break-ins were all discovered Sunday morning, Feb. 24 and the three churches involved were in close proximity.

The Bethany Church of Nazarene at 34 Trowbridge St. West, the First Baptist Church at 35 Trowbridge St. West and the St. Vincent Roman Catholic Church at the corner of Cook St. and Collingwood St. were entered by prying open doors in two cases and police believe that a door in one of the churches might have been left insecure.

Grey County OPP say the person or persons responsible were looking for cash and were successful in stealing an undisclosed amount from the petty cash of two of the three churches.

Police in Grey, Bruce and Huron County have noticed a sharp increase in church break, enters and thefts in the last number of months and they are asking neighbouring residents, especially those who live near churches, to report any suspicious activity to police.

Police are asking residents to be mindful of strange vehicles parked nearby churches, people loitering around church property or interior or exterior lights being turned on or off at odd hours.

Anyone who has information that might assist in the investigation of the break-ins at the Meaford churches is asked to contact Grey County OPP or Crime Stoppers. Constables Ryan Lehr and Phil Parrish are the investigating officers.