MARS HILL – A local church lost approximately $5,000 in a Sunday night burglary, according to Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department officials.

The Sheriff’s Department is investigating two related church burglaries in Mars Hill, Sgt. Mike Berube said Monday.

The department received a call at 9 a.m. from the pastor of the Full Gospel Church on Maple Street and an hour and a half later, received a call from the pastor of the Apostolic Pentecostal Church on Route 1A, Berube said.

Police have not determined how many people were involved in the burglaries. Berube said, however, that whoever entered the building did not find money at the Full Gospel Church.

“There was a burglary a few weeks ago there, so they weren’t keeping any money at the church,” Berube said.

The sergeant said approximately $4,000 to $5,000 in cash and checks was stolen from the Apostolic Pentecostal Church.

Minor damage was done to both churches when the perpetrator gained entry through main doors in the buildings, Berube said.

Police say they do not know the motivation behind the burglaries and theft, though they believe the two crimes are connected.

Anyone with any information about the incidents is asked to contact the Aroostook County Sheriff’s Department at 532-3471.