On Tuesday, authorities reported an incident involving a man attempting to steal from the donation box at a Philadelphia church, just days before Christmas.

The suspect, who was recorded by surveillance cameras, allegedly broke into Our Mother of Consolation Church on December 20th. He targeted the donation box, which serves as a vital source of aid for the community, especially during the festive season.

According to officials, the suspect made a hasty escape after a priest unexpectedly entered the church area.

The Philadelphia Police Department released the surveillance footage, which captures the moment the priest confronted the suspect during the break-in at the church.

Our Mother of Consolation Church, located in Philadelphia, fell victim to the burglary on December 20, 2025, just a few days before the Christmas celebrations. (Philadelphia Police Department)

In a statement, police noted, “The complainant, who is the resident priest at Our Mother of Consolation Church, reported hearing a loud noise at the church entrance while he was in his second-floor bedroom above the sanctuary.”

“When he went down he observed an unknown black male breaking into the ‘poor box’ in the main church worship area.”

Police are looking for a male suspect responsible for a commercial church burglary in Philadelphia. (Philadelphia Police Department)

After noticing the priest, the suspect fled and was last seen heading northbound on Germantown Ave., police said.

The PPD told Fox News Digital Tuesday that the collection box was empty at the time of the incident and nothing was taken. 

A male suspect allegedly tried to break into a church’s “poor box.” (Philadelphia Police Department)

The suspect was described as a Black male, bald, wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and white sneakers.

The PPD Northwest Detective Division is attempting to identify the individual responsible for the commercial church burglary. Authorities urged residents not to approach the suspect if they see him and to contact 911 immediately.