Church Burglary Before Christmas in Philadelphia

Authorities reported on Tuesday that a priest caught a man attempting to break into an “alms box” at a Philadelphia church just before Christmas.

Surveillance footage allegedly shows the suspect entering Our Mother of Consolation Church on December 20, stealing from donation containers which play a vital role in supporting the local community, particularly during the holidays.

Officials noted that the suspect fled when he noticed the priest entering the prayer area of the church.

The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) released a video showing how the priest managed to catch the suspect in action.

The report indicates that the priest was on the second floor of the church when he heard a loud noise. As he came down, he saw a man — described as an unknown black male — accessing the church’s “workbox” in the main worship area.

After noticing the priest, the suspect quickly left the scene and was last seen heading north on Germantown Road.

Interestingly, the collection box was empty during the incident, and nothing was actually taken, according to the PPD.

The suspect is described as a bald black man dressed in a red hoodie, blue jeans, and white sneakers. The Northwestern Criminal Division of the PPD is working to identify this individual. Officials are advising community members to avoid approaching the suspect and to call 911 if spotted.