The Jefferson Police Department is investigating two overnight burglaries that they believe are connected.

Police Chief Mark Clouse says they received the first burglary call around 7:45am Wednesday from the Central Christian Church in the 100 block of North Elm Street. Clouse tells Raccoon Valley Radio, officers couldn’t find a point of entry into the church from the outside, but he believes crowbars were used to gain access to the locked office area of the church. Damage was caused to two interior doors and the suspects allegedly stole $100 in cash, two $50 gift cards, a couple laptop computers and a television set. Officers were able to collect fingerprints and other evidence at the scene to send in for testing to the Criminalistics Laboratory in Ankeny. Clouse notes they are working with surrounding businesses to review surveillance footage as well.

Another burglary incident was reported just after 10am in the alleyway of the 300 block of North Vine Street. The caller reported having his wallet and several tools taken from the unlocked and parked vehicle.

Clouse believes both incidents are connected and thinks there is more than one suspect involved.

Clouse says anyone with information about either case can contact the police department at the law enforcement center at 386-2136 or private message them on their Facebook page. All information can remain anonymous.