Man Wanted For Woodside Church Break-Ins
Police searching for a man who is stealing from the collection plate in Woodside.
Law enforcement officials said one sticky-fingered bandit may be responsible for three local overnight church burglaries in recent weeks.
The first incident took place around 12:30 a.m., Jan. 16, when someone forced open the rear door of a Seventh-day Adventist church on 58th Street, police said.
According to law enforcement officials, the suspect removed three computers and two dozen Visa gift cards.
About a week later, during the overnight hours of Jan. 24, the suspect forced open the rear door of a Lutheran church on Roosevelt Avenue, stealing an iPad, iPod, cash and checks.
Police believe the perp struck again at around 6:30 p.m. Jan. 27, allegedly entering a Sikh temple on Broadway, accessing an adjacent apartment by prying open a door, and removing $500 cash before fleeing the scene.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his 30s with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a red baseball cap, red, waist-length jacket, blue jeans and sneakers.
Anyone with information regarding thee incidents is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577- TIPS (8477). The public can also submit tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577.
All calls and messages are kept confidential, it was noted.
