DC burglars using stolen church van wanted in string of thefts

Authorities are searching for three suspects wanted in connection with a string of brazen burglaries, one in which they used a stolen church van.

DC police said the burglars first struck at a store in the 1500 block of Benning Road, Northeast on Dec. 1 before turning their attention to a cellphone store in the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, Southeast on Dec. 3.

In a burglary at a clothing store in the 1000 block of H Street, Northwest on Dec. 5, the burglars can be seen in surveillance video making their getaway in a stolen church van. The van, belonging to Young's Memorial Christian Church in the Garfield Heights area, has since been recovered, according to police.

The burglars are also wanted in a theft at a Verizon store in the 1300 block of F Street, Northwest on Monday and a burglary at the Benson Jewelers in the same block on Tuesday.

Authorities said they believe the burglars are now using a different van. Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call police at (202) 727-9099. Tipsters could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.