Troy police warn of suspicious activity at church

Troy police are warning churches and other houses of worship after two suspicious incidents at a church in the city.

“On two different occasions in the past two months, church security intercepted individuals that appeared to be ‘scoping’ out the church facility and were uninvolved in worship activity,” Troy police said in a statement Thursday.

Police did not disclose the name or location of the church.

In the first incident on Dec. 12, a group of people was found looking around an unoccupied church auditorium, police said.

“The individuals then asked church security staff a number of questions regarding entrances to the building, the placement of security cameras and the number of people that attend services,” police said.

During a second incident on Jan. 3, two men were seen videotaping the interior and exterior of the same church building. Security staff approached the two men, who did not give a reason for their visit, police said. The men left without incident.

Police said they continue to investigate the incidents.

“The individuals involved have been identified and are cooperating with investigators,” police said.

“Although their actions may have been unusual or suspicious, there is no indication that their intent was violent or criminal in nature.”

Police said it periodically holds security-themed meetings for staff and clergy at churches and other houses of worship.

The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

cwilliams@detroitnews.com

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