Seen Him? Thief Steals $6,000 From Lyndhurst Church

"The combination of checks and cash were inside of three separate bags in a closed, unlocked safe" when they were stolen from St. Michael's Church, Capt. John Valente told Daily Voice on Tuesday.

Surveillance photo shows the man entering the church rectory around 7 a.m. Monday, he said.

He asked a church employee for food from the food bank and "was then asked to fill out a form requesting identification while the employee went to retrieve several bags of food for him," Valente said.

He's later seen on surveillance video "exiting the rectory with the bags of food and then entering the church vestibule," the captain said.

The thief was also "observed dropping one of the money bags (empty) onto the ground prior to entering the church," he said.

He exited the church at 7:18 a.m. and was last seen walking south on Ridge Road, the captain said.

Church officials notified police after discovering the theft several hours later.

Police described the suspected thief as black, with short black and gray hair, about 5-foot-9, with a heavy build and wearing glasses, a dark-colored jacket and gray sweat pants.

Detective Ronald Guirland was reviewing other surveillance video from the surrounding area.

Police also released the photos above.

Anyone who sees the man, knows him or has information that can help the investigation is asked to call Lyndhurst PD's Criminal Investigation Division: (201) 939-2900, ext. 2740.

Or use the Anonymous Tip Hot Line: (201) 804-9346.

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