Church allegedly robbed during baptism by woman in activewear

Police are searching for a woman who allegedly “helped herself” to gifts to be given for a baptism and the contents of a nun’s purse.

Police are searching for a woman after she allegedly robbed a church during a baptism service in Melbourne’s east.

Officers have been told the woman, wearing activewear and a baseball cap, entered the Saint Agatha’s Parish church on Sladen St in Cranbourne at about 2pm on November 19 before allegedly took envelopes placed on a table for the service.

Detective Acting Sargeant Jason Kokas said the woman walked around the church “searching” for items before she moved on.

Police are hoping to speak to this woman after a church was allegedly robbed. Picture: Victoria police

“After that, she has wandered into a unauthorized area, into the rooms where priests get ready for services,” he said.

“Once inside there, she has walked around and kind of looked through all the cupboards, drawers, and she’s picked up a number of items and taken those for herself.”

The items she allegedly stole included keys, microphones, radios, perfume, and a cross.

She also allegedly stole the handbag belonging to a nun.

“Whilst doing so, she was also drinking some alcohol she was carrying,” Mr Kokas said.

She was in the back area of the church for about half an hour before she was “confronted” by one of the priests.

“It didn’t look like there was any arguments, the priest just appeared to usher her out of the premesis,” he said.

Police have been unable to identify the woman, who is not known to them, and no other witnesses saw her leave the church.

They have also been unable to speak to the priest who confronted the woman.

She is described as being between 40-50 years old and caucasian in appearance. At the time, she was wearing white shoes, black pants and top and a blue hat.

Police were told a woman entered the church during a baptism service. Picture: Victoria Police

Officers say they understand the woman proceeded to take envelopes and various items. Picture: Victoria police

Police have since released CCTV of the alleged incident and a woman who they believe may be able to assist in their investigation.

Anyone with information or CCTV footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.