Church Burglarized Three Times in One Week

East Dayton Christian Church has launched a GoFundMe to cover repairs and insurance deductibles after three break-ins.

Updated on Nov. 15, 2026 in Property Crime

Church Burglarized Three Times in One Week

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East Dayton Christian Church was burglarized three times during the week of November 3, 2026, with each break-in occurring on a different night. The losses and building damage total approximately $30,000.

Why it matters

The century-old church on Linden Avenue now faces three separate insurance claims and deductibles while working to restore its facilities. The incidents highlight the financial strain that repeated property crimes can place on community institutions in Dayton.

The church reports three separate insurance claims and deductibles have been filed for the burglaries. The source does not indicate whether police have identified any suspects or made arrests in connection with the incidents.

The players

East Dayton Christian Church

A century-old congregation located on Linden Avenue in Dayton's Hearthstone neighborhood, which is seeking community donations to restore its building after repeated break-ins.

The details

The church's office manager, Jenny Flohre, organized a GoFundMe to fund repairs to the building's heating, plumbing, sound system, and baptistry. The church posted an update on Friday thanking the community for its support and said volunteer opportunities to help clean up and rebuild will be offered in the near future.

Week of November 3, 2026: Three burglaries occurred at the church, each on a different night.
Friday, November 13, 2026: The church posted an update thanking the community for its support.

Seasonal Patterns

Property crimes against houses of worship in Dayton have not been tracked as a separate category in the source material, so direct historical comparison is not possible. The three burglaries occurred in early November, a period that the source does not connect to any documented seasonal pattern in local property crime.

Residents near Linden Avenue and members of the Hearthstone neighborhood may notice increased attention to the church property as repairs and volunteer clean-up efforts begin. Community members who wish to help can donate to the church's GoFundMe to offset repair costs and insurance deductibles.

The takeaway

Small congregations with older buildings can face severe financial strain from repeated break-ins, and direct community donations are one way local residents can help absorb those costs. Checking on neighborhood religious and community buildings after a break-in can also help deter further incidents.