Priest's home in Cedar Rapids burglarized

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids police are investigating after someone broke into a priest's home and stole his computer last week.

The St. Pius X Catholic Church rectory, at 1500 48th St. NE, was burglarized sometime between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Friday, police said.

The Rev. Phil Thompson, who lives there, reported the break-in that afternoon.

Police Capt. Steve O'Konek said some coins and a laptop computer were stolen. Authorities estimated the value of the stolen items to be around $720. O'Konek also said it appeared the suspect or suspects entered the residence through an unlocked back window. No damage was reported.

The rectory is just south of the church property, but there are no visual indications that a priest lives there. Thompson said he does not think the criminal act was targeted toward the church. He said he has no idea who would have done it.

"It's disconcerting, but it's just one of those things, I guess," Thompson said.

No arrests have been made in the case. Anyone with information is asked to call police at (319) 286-5491 or 1-800-CS-CRIME.

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