Police: Man steals cash from religious donation boxes

CINCINNATI - An unidentified man has broken into donation boxes at multiple religious centers around the Tri-State, according to police.

West Chester police are attempting to identify a white male described in his late 40's or early 50's responsible for breaking into donation boxes and a vehicle at three religious centers located in West Chester, Blue Ash and Miamisburg.

The suspect allegedly stole from a donation box at a Miamisburg Mosque on Feb. 8, followed by another donation box from a West Chester Mosque on Feb. 10. A purse was also stolen from a vehicle at the Blue Ash Hospice Center in early February, according to police.

The thefts have occurred during the morning hours in all three occurrences.

The amount of money stolen is unknown, but detectives believe that it was in excess of $3,000.

"I was completely aghast. the audacity of someone to come into  house of worship and steal the good will and generosity of other people who have donated part of their hard labor to help people in need," Shakila Ahmad, Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati Trustee, told 9 On Your Side reporter Mekialaya White.

"It's very sad. It's frustrating to think that people have that little regard for someone's place of worship but you know -- criminals will be criminals and they don't care for the well-being of others, clearly."

The suspect drives a maroon 2006 Chevy Silverado with a silver line along the side and a storage case on the back.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the West Chester Police Department at: 513-759-3977