Mount Zion Baptist Church Faces Eight Burglaries
Thieves have repeatedly targeted a Memphis church, stealing copper and electronics while damaging the property.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Property Crime
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Mount Zion Baptist Church in Memphis has been the site of eight burglaries over the past eight weeks. Intruders damaged windows and doors to enter the building, where they stole televisions and copper components from HVAC systems.
Why it matters
The repeated break-ins have left the local community without air conditioning as the church continues to host services. The ongoing damage has created a significant financial and operational strain on the congregation.
Police have made zero arrests in connection with the eight burglaries reported over the last eight weeks. The investigation into the incidents remains active.
The players
Mount Zion Baptist Church
This is a religious institution located on Dellwood Avenue in the Frayser neighborhood of Memphis.
The details
Burglars gained entry to the facility on Dellwood Avenue by damaging windows and doors repeatedly. Beyond the structural damage, the perpetrators stripped copper from the church's HVAC units and removed various electronics.
Timeline
The first burglary occurred in September 2026.
Eight total burglaries took place between September and October 2026.
Legal Context
This series of burglaries follows a pattern set by the national trend of scrap metal theft targeting vulnerable community infrastructure. Such property crimes frequently challenge local law enforcement due to the difficulty of tracing stolen industrial components.
Local residents and businesses in the Frayser neighborhood are advised to report any suspicious activity near the church to the authorities. The continued damage to the facility remains a safety concern for those attending services.
The takeaway
Securing HVAC units with cages or enhanced lighting can often deter potential copper thieves. Property owners in similar high-risk areas should consider reviewing their security protocols to protect against recurring break-ins.
Further reading
For more information on trends in local criminal activity, visit Property Crime.
More information
Community members looking to assist can contribute to the church damage relief fund.
Source note: This article includes information reported by News Channel 3 WREG-TV Memphis.
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