Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

North Las Vegas Police seek clues into theft of church’s donation box

Male suspect

North Las Vegas Police are asking for the public’s help in identifying this man and his accomplice, who were caught on surveillance taking a donation box from St. John Newman Church in North Las Vegas.

Click to enlarge photo

Surveillance video shows the duo tampering with and stealing a church donation box at St. John Newman Catholic Church, 2575 West El Campo Grande Ave., North Las Vegas.

St. John Newman Church

Nearly two months ago, a man and a woman walked into St. John Newman Catholic Church on a late Sunday afternoon and made off with a 3-foot-tall donation box and the cash inside of it.

Now, North Las Vegas Police detectives are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspects, who can be seen on a video posted on YouTube.

Officers responded about 4:10 p.m. Sunday, June 24, after a report of a burglary at the church, 2575 W. El Campo Grande Ave., according to a news release issued Monday by the North Las Vegas Police Department.

Surveillance video shows a woman looking around the area as a man tampers with and removes the donation box.

Detectives investigating the case have exhausted all of their leads, said Officer Chrissie Coon, public information officer for North Las Vegas Police. Police are confident, however, that people viewing the surveillance images and footage will come forward and identify the suspects, she added.

The male suspect is described as white, about 25 to 35 years old, with short brown hair and a medium build. The female suspect is described as white, 25 to 35 years old, with long brown hair and a heavy build.

North Las Vegas Police encourage anyone with information to call the department at 633-9111 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.

Church officials said they were saddened by the theft, but maintained it was an isolated incident. The Diocese of Las Vegas also said additional security measures have been implemented to prevent future thefts, although specifics were not revealed.

"We appreciate the efforts and attention of law enforcement with regard to this matter and thank them for their diligence," Father Jim Jankowski said in a statement. "While this was an unfortunate incident, we feel deeply that this is not a reflection of the greater Las Vegas and North Las Vegas community, and our experience has been one of compassion and generosity even during these tough economic times.”

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