Cranford, N.J., churches broken into

CRANFORD, N.J. (WABC) -- Cranford Police now believe one shameless thief is responsible for three recent church robberies in New Jersey. The first break-in took place last Monday at Cranford Alliance Church, where several doors were pried open and money was stolen.

That money was for church member, Susana, a young mother who is battling stage four breast cancer.

"We need to pray for the person that God's mercy finds them," said Pastor Tom Rice, of the Cranford Alliance Church.

The second robbery happened on Saturday just before noon at United Methodist. The door to the office was pried open as well. Inside, $50 for the nursery attendant was snatch for the mailbox and a bunch of offering envelopes. But if the thief thought he hit the jackpot, we're told those envelopes were empty.

"You hope take they get what they need or come talk to us. We get with generous hearts love never fails in that regard," said Pastor Cameron Overbey, of Cranford United Methodist.

A few minutes later on Saturday, police believe the same man snuck in to St. Michael's. He didn't find any cash there, but he also apparently didn't see the surveillance camera which captured him coming and going.

"It's a double edged sword. You wonder what kind of individual does such a thing like that and then you feel they need help," said Chief James Wozniak, of the Cranford Police Department.

"I think it's horrible anyone would want to going to any house of worship to take anything," one parishioner said.

"I guess I feel sorry for the person," another parishioner said.

As worshipers respond with compassion, police are hoping this video will help lead to an arrest.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call (908) 709-7346 or (908) 709-7347.