
The burglar targeting three synagogues and one church in February and March. (NYPD)
April 15, 2019 By Laura Hanrahan
Police are searching for a man wanted for a breaking into houses of worship in the South Williamsburg area earlier this year and stealing cash and valuables.
The series of burglaries began on Feb. 9, around 2:30 a.m., when the suspect broke into Khal Adas Yereim Vien, a synagogue located at 27 Lee Ave., through an unsecured front door. Once inside, he stole $250 in cash from a donation box and then fled the scene, police said.
At 4 p.m. later that same day, he entered Transfiguration Church located at 240 Hooper St. through a rear window and stole $250 worth of office supplies.
More than a month later, on March 12, at 2:50 p.m., the suspect broke into Bnei Mordechai Cleveland, an orthodox synagogue located at 469 Bedford Ave., and stole approximately $600 in cash and office supplies before fleeing the scene. Five hours later, he hit another synagogue, Kahal Raatzfert, located at 171 South 9th St., and stole $400 in office supplies.
The suspect is described as Hispanic and approximately 30 to 40 years of age. He was last seen wearing a black cap, black jacket, grey hooded shirt, blue jeans and tan shoes.
Anyone with information on the case should contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-8477, or text CRIMES and then enter TIP577, or visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com.