Thief steals $300 from St. John’s University church in Queens, NYPD says

Phil Corso

Published Jan 8, 2025

Modified Jan 8, 2025

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St. John's University in Queens

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Phil Corso

Published Jan 8, 2025

Modified Jan 8, 2025

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A brazen thief slipped into a church on the St. John’s University campus in Queens and made off with $300 in cash, police said.

The incident unfolded on Wednesday, Dec. 11, when the suspect entered St. Thomas More Church at 80-00 Utopia Pkwy. through an unlocked door, according to the NYPD. Once inside, they located a box containing the money, swiped the cash and fled on foot in an unknown direction.

University spokesperson Brian Browne said the suspect was spotted on surveillance footage taking the money from an office desk.

"The safety and security of our campus community are essential, and our investments in Public Safety and our cooperative relationship with law enforcement help ensure that," Browne said in an email. "Churches are meant to be safe, welcoming places for all, and doors are often left open for worshipers. Unfortunately, that can also invite criminal activity as in this isolated situation."

The NYPD released images of a suspect wearing a blue hooded jacket and a black vest. Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.

This story has been updated with comment from a university spokesperson.

Tagged

queens

public safety