Burglar targets Mount Olive Baptist Church in Manhasset
As parishioners left their church in Manhasset this morning, police were looking for clues and fingerprints after a burglar ransacked a room in the house of worship.
Church leaders at Mount Olive Baptist Church believe the break-in happened sometime between late Friday night and early this morning. When the church pastor arrived at 9:30 a.m. today, he found his office in a state of disarray.
Church officials say it appears the intruder was searching for cash, but found none and instead got away with the church's checkbook. The church's audio equipment wasn't disturbed.
The stolen checks have been canceled, but parishioners say the incident is upsetting.
"It sounds like it was someone who was in need, but all they had to do is come to the church," says parishioner Theresa Harris. "The church would help them out. They should have taken a bible or two, but they didn't take one of those."
Anyone with information is urged to call Nassau Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS.