Chestnut Hill Church Burglarzied: Philadelphia Police

CHESTNUT HILL, PA — Philadelphia Police are asking for public assistance to identify the man responsible for a church burglary in Chestnut Hill.

The incident took place at about 3:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Our Mother of Consolation Church, 9 E. Chestnut Hill Ave., police said.

A resident priest of Our Mother of Consolation Church reported hearing a loud noise from the church's entrance while in his second-floor bedroom, according to police.

The priest saw a man breaking into the “poor box” in the main worship area, then the man ran off after being spotted, police said.

He was last seen heading north on Germantown Avenue. He was described as a bald black male, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers.

Members of the public are advised not to approach the suspect if seen. Instead, they should contact 911 immediately.

Tips can be submitted anonymously by calling 215-686-8477 or by using the electronic tip submission form online here. All tips will be kept confidential.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or the suspect is encouraged to contact the Northwest Detective Division directly at 215-686-3353 or 215-686-3354, referencing DC 25-14-100981.

_This article includes AI-assisted reporting. Editors reviewed all content for accuracy._