Report: Purse Bandit Strikes Bethesda Churches

The same woman may be responsible for stealing purses and other valuable items during church services at local houses of worship, WUSA9 reports -- including two churches in Bethesda.

Churches in Ashburn, Fairfax, Centreville, Leesburg, Herndon and Bethesda have all been hit, church leaders told WUSA9. In Bethesda, and both reported having items stolen during Sunday services on Sept. 11, WUSA9 reports.

At North Bethesda, a woman had her wallet stolen from her purse which was left in the kitchen area. "You feel vulnerable, and you feel violated that somebody is preying on folks when they come during the holiest time of the week," Rev. Debbie Scott of North Bethesda United Methodist told WUSA9.

WUSA9 reports the unidentified woman may be entering the churches, stealing keys, and gaining access to locked areas where valuables may be kept. Reverend Dr. Stephanie Nagley of St. Luke's told WUSA9 her purse was stolen from the sacristy room while she led Sunday services.

Montgomery County Police didn't immediately have information available on the reported thefts, but were looking into the matter after Patch called in Thursday afternoon. We'll update this story as more information becomes available.

Read the full story at WUSA9.