Dark‑clothed figure breaking into Our Mother of Consolation Church in twilight with a glowing security camera light and a doo

Police Release Footage of Church Break-In in Chestnut Hill

At a Glance

  • Police released surveillance footage of a man breaking into Our Mother of Consolation Church on Dec. 20, 2025.
  • The suspect was last seen running north on Germantown Avenue.
  • Witnesses are urged to contact the Northwest Detective Division.

This incident has prompted a city-wide call for public assistance in identifying the burglar.

Incident Details

Man walking north with a red hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans in a quiet night investigation scene

The footage was captured at about 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2025, when the suspect entered the church on East Chestnut Hill Avenue. A priest, who was in a second-floor bedroom, heard a noise, investigated, and reported seeing the intruder break into the church’s poor box before fleeing.

Suspect Description

The man was described as wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers. He was last seen heading north toward Germantown Avenue.

Item Description
Clothing Red hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, white sneakers
Last location North on Germantown Avenue
Time of entry 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2025

Police are asking anyone with information to call the Philadelphia Police Department’s Northwest Detective Division at 215-686-3353/3354 or the tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

How to Report

If you saw or have information about the incident, contact the Northwest Detective Division immediately. Providing any details could help recover stolen items and bring the suspect to justice.

Key Takeaways

  • Footage shows a church break-in on Dec. 20, 2025.
  • Suspect last seen running north on Germantown Avenue.
  • Call 215-686-3353/3354 or 215-686-TIPS (8477) for tips.

This case underscores the importance of community vigilance in protecting local places of worship.

Author

  • I’m Olivia Bennett Harris, a health and science journalist committed to reporting accurate, compassionate, and evidence-based stories that help readers make informed decisions about their well-being.

    Olivia Bennett Harris reports on housing, development, and neighborhood change for News of Philadelphia, uncovering who benefits—and who is displaced—by city policies. A Temple journalism grad, she combines data analysis with on-the-ground reporting to track Philadelphia’s evolving communities.

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