Boy, 12, Arrested in Church Burglary

A 12-year-old Sinaloa Middle School student has been arrested on suspicion of stealing audio equipment and breaking windows at Simi Church of Christ, police officials said.

The boy’s father found speakers and microphones valued at $1,400 as well as a church donation box at the family home on Monday and called police, Sgt. Bob Gardner said.

Police arrested the boy, whose name was not released because he is a minor, on suspicion of burglary and vandalism of church property. The vandalism at the church, next to Sinaloa Middle School, occurred last week. On the same day vandalism was reported at nearby Victory Outreach Church, but police have not established a connection between the two incidents, said Lt. Neal Rein of the Simi Valley Police Department.

Police returned the speakers and microphones to Simi Church of Christ as well as a donation box containing about $50 in quarters.

The church is pleased to get back the equipment it uses for Sunday services, said Ed Heller, the church’s groundskeeper who discovered the burglary and vandalism.