Church members patrol for vandals and burglars

EVERETT, Wash. — Members of the First Slavic Church of Everett are taking turns every night patrolling the construction site of their new Church building in Mukilteo.

The property has been burglarized 3 times in the past few weeks.

"We have two people taking turns each night every night sitting here till the  morning," said Ignor Simonenko, a member of the Church for 10 years.

The members use a buddy system for the patrols. They will either drive around the church parking lot or walk around with flashlights.

Burglars have not only vandalized the property but they broke in looking for tools, and they stole a computer out of the construction trailer.

"Frustration of course comes up how can we protect it? police does patrol the area but not guaranteed," said Simonenko.

Mukilteo Police said officers are aware of the problem and have stepped up patrols in the area near the church off of 44th Avenue W and 78th Street SW.

The Church considered hiring a security company to do the patrolling but members are already burdened with the construction costs.

That's why members were happy to devote their time to protect their new worship place.

"As long as it takes. People are open and understand that we don’t try to force them but they understand their kids go here their grandkids gonna go here their money is here as well," said Simenenko.

KIRO