A Bronx lawmaker is proposing new legislation to curb religious theft after three local churches were burglarized within the past month.

State Sen. Jeffery Klein says that under his bill, those found guilty of breaking into a church would be charged with a felony and face up to seven years behind bars. He says that right now, the crime is a misdemeanor that often carries no jail time.

Many parishioners agree that stricter penalties are needed, including those at the Zoodohos Peghe Greek Orthodox Church. Religious leaders at the victimized churches say they're praying for the thieves responsible.