The First Baptist Church of Durango estimates about $8,000 in damage from 14 smashed windows on New Year’s Eve night.
The windows are at ground level, mostly behind the church in the east alley. It appears one or more people walked by and kicked out each window, and used random objects to shatter a few of them, including a bicycle rack.
The damage was found about 8 a.m. before Sunday service at 332 E. 11th St. Church patrons helped clean broken glass throughout the basement, including the kitchen, storage area and preschool areas.
“We’re just sad that it happened and grateful that it wasn’t the stained-glass windows,” said Linda Griffin, secretary for the church.
It doesn’t appear the church was singled out for vandalism; rather, it was a random act done by someone who drank too much, and, for some reason, found fun in causing destruction, she said.
“I think it was just people acting stupid, to be honest,” Griffin said. “Just too much to drink and time on their hands. Who knows? ... You’re angry at first. We need to move forward without animosity.”
It doesn’t appear anyone tried to enter the church. The windows have been boarded up, and the church has contacted its insurance provider and plans to pay a $1,000 deductible to have the windows and frames replaced.
Anyone with information is asked to call police dispatch at 385-2900 or Crime Stoppers at 247-1112.
shane@durangoherald.com
