The NYPD is asking for help in solving the robbery of Holy Cross African Orthodox Church. The crime occurred yesterday at approximately 6:00 pm when a heartless thief kicked in the front door.
The thief made off with over $1000 dollars' worth of religious artifacts including a 128-year-old bible, an ornate gold staff, a challis, and other revered items.
The Harlem landmark located on West 129th street first opened its doors to worshipers in 1931. The church was not equipped with security cameras so police are asking area retailers to provide video footage to assist in the identification of the robber.
Witnesses near the church when the break-in took place were unable to give NYPD investigators much helpful information due to the heavy flow of pedestrian traffic at the time of the crime.
According to an article published in the New York Daily News, this is the second time the Harlem house of worship has made news since 2015.In 2015 former Pastor Alfred Drake tried to sell the church for $175,000 dollars, without the congregations permission in an attempt to get the church out of debt.
Real estate estimators put the church's value at over $2 million dollars in 2015.
If you have any information on the crime please contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-8477
Photo Credit: Getty Images