Police say money was stolen from a Bay Shore church overnight.

The theft was reported at Saint Patrick Roman Catholic Church of Bay Shore around Wednesday at around 6:30 a.m.

Police say the front door facing Main Street was forced open and some damage was done to the property.

Some business owners in the area were surprised that the robbery happened in their community.

"I'm surprised - I've been in this area over three years and nothing like that happened before," says Jesse Vargas, of Bay Shore Barbershop.

However, John Murray, who owns The Hero Joint nearby, says he has been robbed twice and has since stepped up security.

“We severely increased our protocols for cash handling, our alarm systems, things of that nature,” Murray says. “Upgraded our doors and locks.”

Those in the community say the church helps everybody so they feel terrible.

“I feel like crying – that’s very upsetting,” says Phyllis O’Brien.

Police did not say how much money was taken.

“It’s an ongoing investigation and the parish is cooperating with law enforcement,” said Sean Dolan, of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.