Woman Robbed at Church

Woman's Belongings Stolen At Church
11:39 AM EST, March 10, 2010

PORTLAND —

A woman's belongings, including her credit cards, were stolen while she went to communion at her church on Sunday.

The 80-year-old's personal belongings were stolen at St. Mary Church's 10:30 a.m. Mass Sunday, The Rev. John Ashe said today. When she returned from communion, her things — including credit cards — were gone.

"It's the first time since I've been here that anything like this has happened," said the pastor, who has been at the church 20 years.

An unfamiliar man had been sitting next to the woman, he said.

"No one recognized this fellow, so, obviously, he was not from the community," the priest said. "He slipped in and slipped out."

Police are investigating the theft and have been reviewing surveillance photos from at least one business where the thief is suspected of using a stolen credit card. A woman was with the man in the photos, Ashe said.

Meanwhile, church leaders are spreading more than the word of God. They are telling people not to leave their purses in the pew at communion time.

"We're going to suggest to people to try to be more careful," Ashe said.

Portland police would not comment on the theft.