Buffalo Police Looking For Person Wanted for Church Thefts

BUFFALO, NY-- A number of recent thefts in several Buffalo houses of worship are prompting Buffalo Police to issue a warning to the church-going public.

In all four cases, various items were taken from purses while victims were distracted or had left their pew to receive communion.

"Often times these types of crimes aren't discovered until the victim is looking for a credit card or driver's license and realizes they were targeted," said Chief of Detectives Dennis Richards.

At a Friday afternoon news conference, police said they believe one person is responsible for the crimes and are looking for a young, disheveled female seen driving a grey Ford Taurus with license plate EVU-2608.

The churches where the incidents occured are St. Mark's at Woodward and Amherst Streets, Westminster Presbyterian on Delaware, St. George's Orthodox at Nottingham and Amherst, and St. Louis at Main and North Streets.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Confidential TIPCALL Line at 847-2255.

"It is a sad reality that the criminal element will take advantage of an opportunity-even if they are in God's house," Richards said.