Northern Ky. church members watching building

Updated: Fri 3:27 AM, Oct 05, 2012

LUDLOW, Ky. (AP) - The pastor of a northern Kentucky church has organized around-the-clock surveillance after repeated thefts of copper from the building.

First Baptist Church of Ludlow's oldest section dates from the 1870s and it has copper guttering.

The Rev. Paul D. Anglin Jr. told The Kentucky Enquirer (http://bit.ly/T4PeqI ) thieves have been tearing off bits of the building since Sept. 25. Four 12-foot downspout sections and pipe containing copper wire have been taken.

Anglin said thieves also tore off a wire mesh cover to open a water spigot, causing a nearly 600 percent increase in the church's quarterly water bill to $1,700.

Ludlow Police Chief Benny Johnson said an officer is investigating. Police have stepped up patrols and hope to establish a neighborhood watch program.

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