CARY - The members of To The Republic, a local rock band, bill themselves as "one of the most intriguing bands you've never heard of." By no fault of its own, the band has become one of the most intriguing bands you can't hear.

The band's members -- Nate Marriner, Houston Causby, Eddie Lucas and Andy Davis -- have an unintended fan of their sound, or at least their sound equipment, to thank for the setback.

An unknown thief stole about $14,000 in equipment from the band and Grace Church on Kildaire Farm Road a couple weeks ago.

An online ad posted by the band listed a sound system, amplifiers and numerous guitar effects pedals among the items taken. To The Republic asked browsers to be on the lookout for Web savvy criminals looking to turn a profit at both the band's and the church's expense.

"It certainly has had an impact," said Marriner, who is also an associate pastor at the church. "It's always a setback for a church or its members to be the victim of a crime like this."

Marriner said he owned much of the stolen property. He added that Grace Church is assessing whether its insurance policies will cover the loss. In the meantime, he said, the church is using its own musical gear for its music ministry.

"There hasn't been much of an interruption as far as church ministry goes," he said.

He added that the church is using the experience to spur the congregation on to action.

"It says a lot more that someone in this down economy that feels they are in such desperate need as to come onto a church lot and break into storage trailers to find something they can steal," he said.

"I think it's more of a cry for the church itself to continue to reach out and do what we can so that folks won't feel the need to do that," Marriner added. "It's more of a challenge for us to reach out to the community."