#Man steals collection box cash from Park Slope church, video shows

A man who looked like he had come to pray at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Park Slope instead walked off with the contents of the collection box, the church and police said Saturday.

The “prayerful” suspect waited until the church was empty to make his move, the Diocese of Brooklyn said.

Surveillance video shows the alleged sinner carrying a wooden collection box off to the side of the church, kneeling to cut it open and then stuffing the cash into his pants pocket before casually heading out onto 9th street.

The theft was discovered about 4 p.m. Friday by a Franciscan nun who was sanitizing the pews, the Diocese said. She did not know how much money was stolen.

“I am saddened by what happened inside our beautiful church yesterday, but I am grateful to God that no one was injured. I understand in these unprecedented times, many people have lost their jobs and need assistance, but this not how you turn to the church for help. My message to those in need is to ring our doorbell, don’t vandalize and steal, and let us help you,” said Father Willy Kingsley Ndi, administrator of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Police described the suspect a white man, 5 feet 10 inches and 160 pounds, wearing an orange shirt, black jeans black sneakers, blue hat, black face mask and carrying a black briefcase.

Anyone with information is asked to call the NYPD’s 78th Precinct at 718)-636-6411 or NYPD Crime Stoppers at 800-577-8477.