NORTH JACKSON — Jackson Township police are investigating a theft that occurred at a church gift shop when a man stole cash from an elderly parishioner’s purse and two cash registers.

Chief Greg Taillon said a man walked into Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine’s gift shop around mid-morning Friday and ended up stealing $30 from the parishioner and $100 and $200 from the registers.

Taillon said the man struck up a conversation with the parishioner and told her he was there with his wife the day before, and she’d left her credit card at the shop. The man stole the money when the parishioner left the store to check if the card was turned in to the church office.

Surveillance footage shows the man, wearing a Struthers Bobcats sweatshirt and a bandana as a mask, rummaging through one of the registers. Taillon said the department has identified the person police believe is responsible, but the investigation is ongoing.

Taillon urges the public to be on guard and wants to remind people that “everyone is not who they appear to be.” He said the trusting and forgiving nature of the church made it “easy prey.”

Taillon described the crime as “ruthless,” and said it was a low crime to commit.

“I mean, to target a church? You have to be pretty low to do that,” Taillon said. “Churches are the first ones to help. If you were really in need and asked for assistance, I’m sure they would have tried to help.”

The man’s identity has not yet been released and Taillon said the department is still following leads.

lnickel@tribtoday.com