4 arrested after New York churches are burglarized

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

MACHIAS, N.Y. — State police say they’ve arrested four people in connection with a rash of burglaries at churches in two rural western New York counties.

Troopers and the sheriff’s offices in neighboring Cattaraugus and Wyoming counties received reports of at least eight burglaries starting late last week. Police say the items stolen included cash, two safes and musical equipment.

Most of the stolen items have been recovered.

Authorities say they’ve charged two 18-year-old men from Machias (muh-CHEYE’-us), a 20-year-old Man from Franklinville, and an 18-year-old woman from Cuba, New York.

All four are being held in the Cattaraugus County Jail on $10,000 cash bail.

Troopers say officials at other churches that may have been burglarized recently should contact state police at Machias at 716-353-4029.