On May 4, 2017, at 6:30 a.m., Yavapai County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 16900 block of Shrine Drive in Yarnell to meet with the caretaker of the Shrine of the Mountain Church donation box. The caretaker told deputies that unknown suspects attempted to enter the cash donation strong box before 3:00 a.m.
An alarm was activated at that time, but the caretaker did not confirm the theft until daylight. This is the second reported incident with the first crime occurring in late January or early February of this year.
Deputies examined the main door of the strong box and saw it had been forced open. It appeared the locks were still intact, but the door’s latches were broken. The cash donations had not been disturbed, possibly due to the alarm activation which likely caused the suspect to flee.
A nighttime security video of the incident was recovered. It is believed the primary suspect was a male and he was assisted by an apparent female lookout. She also provided a light source for him at times. Both concealed their identities with various types of clothing.
If anyone has information on the theft, please contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260, or report tips anonymously to Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232. Refer to case number 17-015545.