Grace Baptist Church, located on Hillburn Drive in San Antonio’s Southwest Side, is dealing with a troubling repeat crime. In May, thieves stole one of the church’s outdoor air‑conditioning condensers. After replacing the unit, the congregation installed a metal security cage around the equipment. Yet in August the same type of equipment was taken again, despite the added protection.
Impact on worship and finances
Deacon Gary Grieco, a three‑decade member of the church, told KSAT the loss has left the sanctuary uncomfortably hot. “It’s 87 degrees in here right now,” he said, noting that with two functioning units the temperature would normally sit around 72‑73 degrees. The remaining condenser, situated at the back of the building, only cools the rear half of the church, forcing leaders to rely on fans and a portable air‑conditioning unit to keep worshippers comfortable.
Cost of replacement
Replacing the stolen condenser will be a significant expense. Grieco estimates a brand‑new system could run between $10,000 and $15,000. The church’s insurance deductible is high enough that filing a claim would provide little financial relief, so the congregation plans to fund the replacement through member contributions and possibly by locating a used outdoor unit.
Security steps moving forward
After the second theft, church leaders are reviewing additional security measures. They intend to reinforce the existing metal enclosure and install surveillance cameras around the property. “Unfortunately, we didn’t have surveillance video,” Grieco said. “Now we’re going to have that and hopefully it won’t happen again.” The police report filed with the San Antonio Police Department has been closed, and no suspects have been identified.
Why the thefts may have occurred
Grieco suggested the thieves were likely after the copper and other metals inside the condenser, which can be sold for profit. “To me, it wouldn’t be worth it,” he added, indicating the community’s frustration that the crime appears motivated by profit rather than any specific grievance against the church.
Community response
The theft has resonated beyond the balance sheet. “You don’t know the burden you’re not only putting on the finances of the church, but the people who come to the church,” Grieco said, emphasizing the spiritual and communal cost of the loss. Congregants have been encouraged to donate toward the replacement effort, and the church is actively seeking a reliable, affordable solution.
How to help
Those wishing to assist Grace Baptist Church in finding a new condenser or contributing financially can contact Deacon Grieco at 210‑675‑5484 or 210‑912‑2570.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
