Surveillance cameras captured a man stealing from a donation box inside St. Joseph's Church in Lake Ronkonkoma.

The incident happened on June 14 around 5 p.m.

Suffolk County police have released video showing a man, carrying a backpack, going up to the poor box, prying it open and clearing out the cash.

The Rev. Mike Rieder says the thief stole a couple hundred dollars from the six poor boxes.

The donation boxes have been repaired.

Rieder says he hopes the thief is caught, not to be punished, but to perhaps get whatever help he might need.

The church is open until 9 p.m. The pastor says he won't change the hours because he wants people to come pray when it's convenient for them.

Police ask anyone with information to call Suffolk Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. A $5,000 reward is being offered.