Thieves Steal Cash For Poor From St. Joseph's Church Collection Boxes

Toms River police are seeking tips and information after someone broke into St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church Sunday evening and stole cash from the collection boxes, police said.

Police were called to the church at 509 Hooper Ave. on Monday after the break-in was discovered, Toms RIver Police spokesman Ralph Stocco said.

The suspect or suspects broke into the building sometime during the overnight hours, entered the main area of the church and broke open numerous collection boxes that hold cash donations for the poor, he said.

The suspects also broke apart a wooden memorial candle stand and did several thousands of dollars in damage. The amount taken has not yet been determined, Stocco said.

The church closed at 8 p.m. on Sunday evening after having held a special service wherein Pope Francis’ Mass from Philadelphia was simulcast for the parishioners, he said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Robert O’Neill at the department by calling 732-349-0150 ext. 1255 or send a private message to the department through its Facebook page, Toms River Police Department.

All tips will remain confidential.