Police nab alleged thief after break-in at western Sydney church

Police lay in wait outside a church in the hopes of capturing a man accused of making off with the parish’s weekly donations.

A man has been arrested after a complex police sting involving the dog squad and Polair helicopter following a break-in at a church in Sydney’s west.

The 47-year-old was allegedly caught on CCTV breaking into a church on Chapel Lane in Baulkham Hills on June 4 before making off with the parish’s weekly donations.

Only a week later, specialist police including the dog squad and Polair helicopter lay in wait for the man when he allegedly returned about 9.45pm on Sunday.

When officers approached the man after he entered the church, police allege the 47-year-old attempted to flee by running through another door.

A man has been arrested after a complex police sting following a break-in at a church in Sydney’s west. Picture: NSW Police

However, the man was swiftly captured with assistance from the NSW Police dog squad after he was located on nearby Hildegard Ave a short time later.

The man has since been charged with break and enter following the incident on June 4 as well as break and enter with intent to steal after the most recent incident.

He was refused bail to appear before Parramatta Local Court on Monday.