Last Updated:March 24. 2008 11:49PM
Published: March 25. 2008 3:30AM

Guests and attendants at a wedding became victims of a crime when thieves stole money from them apparently while the ceremony was taking place.

Lauderdale County Sheriff Ronnie Willis shook his head in disgust as he read the burglary report.

"It's just sad, very sad, when you can't feel your personal items are safe at a church, especially during a wedding," the sheriff said.

Sheriff's department officials said between $1,500-$2,500 was reported taken during the burglary that occurred Saturday between 2-4:30 p.m. at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church on Lauderdale 222, which is just off Alabama 20.

"Instead of this being a happy occasion, it turned into something the couple never expected," Willis said.

Investigator Thomas McCluskey said money was taken from purses and wallets left in rooms used for changing clothes.

"It appears (the thieves) were just after money," McCluskey said. "Also, they went through the parking lot and got into a car or two."

He said the thefts were discovered after the wedding.

"We're asking the public to help us try and find out who did this," the sheriff said.

McCluskey said at that time of the day, someone may have driven pass the church and seen something that could help in the investigation.

"So anything that anyone might know could be a big help in this case," McCluskey said.

Anyone with information about the burglary is asked to call the Lauderdale County Sheriff's Office at 760-5755 or Shoals Area CrimeStoppers at 386-8685.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.