Intruder steals $1000 from priest’s safe in Ararat, Victoria before fleeing

Police are searching for a man who broke into a sleeping priest’s bedroom before stealing money from the parish safe.

A priest has been robbed and a parish broken into in an aggravated burglary northwest of Melbourne.

Police say the priest was sleeping inside the parish on Barkly St in Ararat when an unknown man broke in through his bedroom window about 11pm on July 17.

The man woke the priest before demanding he hand over about $1000 from the parish safe.

The man stole $1000 before fleeing the scene. Picture: Supplied

The hooded offender fled the scene with the cash in hand.

The priest was not physically injured in the ordeal.

Police have released CCTV images of a man they believe can assist with their inquiries.

He is described as being of slim to medium build and was wearing a dark hooded jumper and pants at the time of the robbery.

Police are urging anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000

Originally published as Intruder steals $1000 from priest’s safe in Ararat, Victoria before fleeing