On February 8, 2017, around 8:00 a.m., it was discovered that the donation lock box for the Shrine of Saint Josephs of the Mountains, located in the 16900 block of Shrine Drive, Yarnell, had been forced opened to access cash donations.
The security box’s welded latch was broken off allowing unknown suspect to remove the cash.
During the investigation, several bills with lower denominations remained in the box with some scattered in the immediate area suggesting a smash and grab style theft. It is estimated that several hundred dollars were stolen.
The money is picked up on a routine schedule and deposited into the church’s account to supplement much needed funds. Although the exact date of the theft has not been determined, it likely occurred in recent weeks.
If anyone has information on the theft, contact the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office at 928-771-3260 or report tips anonymously to Yavapai Silent Witness at 1800-932-3232 and refer to case number 17-004804.