The Edmonton police hate crimes unit is investigating after six south-side churches were vandalized early Sunday morning.

All of the churches has decorative rocks thrown their windows and suffered damages some of them nearing $30,000.

Father Jim Corrigan pastor of St. Theresa’s Roman Catholic Parish he was disappointed when he found four of the church’s entry doors smashed. He said after hearing other churches has been hit, it seems it was a deliberate act.

“The individuals involved most have decided this is what we are going to do for entertainment,” he said.

Corrigan said he and his congregation were disappointed with the damage, but Sunday morning’s service continued unabated.

“At the beginning of mass, we always pray for forgiveness of our own sins, but we certainly included those in the mix.”

The churches were all of different denominations.

EPS Hate crimes unit Const. Alex Thomas said they are hoping someone will come forward with information.

“We are looking for that golden nugget that piece of the puzzle.”

Decorative rocks were thrown at windows and doors at the following churches:

• 75 Street and 29 Avenue
• 79 Street and 27 Avenue
• 91 Street and Elwood Drive
• 109 Street and 70 Avenue
• 108 Street and 62 Avenue
• 100 Street and 84 Avenue

Anyone with information is asked to call 780-423-4567 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.