By Christina Gramling

Some crimes are down right heartless.

Just ask newlyweds Caty and Jack Parker from Des Moines.

During their wedding rehearsal on Nov. 25 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Des Moines, a female thief snuck in and stole Jack’s wedding ring, Caty’s purse and all its contents, bridesmaid jewelry and a family remembrance anniversary necklace.

Caty’s brother consoled the bride by reminding her, “It’s just stuff … you still have Jack.”

There are still no suspects in the church theft that occurred on Nov. 25 in Des Moines, said Sgt. Bob Bohl of the Des Moines Police Department.

The incident occurred during the couple’s wedding rehearsal around 5 p.m. The church is located at 2021 S 160th St., just one block west of Pacific Highway South.

Investigators have one break that is not common in most cases. The church has video surveillance.

Officers are currently following up on surveillance from the scene, as well as the locations in which the Parkers’ stolen credit cards were used.

According to Ann Poetter, Caty’s mother, the female perpetrator was seen in the surveillance footage in the church casually peeking into each room. The church was full of people.

Poetter said she felt the woman knew she could mix in without being noticed.

It appeared that once she saw what she wanted, she immediately looked for an easy exit and went back and took the items, Poetter said. The female was also seen with a bag as she entered the church.

Caty doesn’t think it was a crime of opportunity, but more of a calculated plan.

She may have been watching and planning for this because “she came prepared, “said Caty.

Sgt. Bohl disagrees and said it was likely random.

The Parkers were fortunately able to pick up the pieces and have their wedding as they had planned for the last eight months.

The Parkers would like the woman who stole their things to know that they forgive here and would also like an apology for the heartache she caused.

Because of the season, theft is on the rise, said Sgt. Bohl. There is a seasonal fluctuation in thefts and now is a high time for those types of activities, he said.

“Make sure you lock up and be safe. Even our church wasn’t,” said Jack.

Sgt. Bohl would also like the community to be alert and aware during this holiday season.

If you have any information regarding the theft of the Parkers’ items, contact the Des Moines Police Department at 206-878-3301.