Smash and grab at St. Anthony Shrine

Religious congregations are often looking for publicity, but one place they don't want to wind up is in the Boston Police Department's blog. That's where the St. Anthony Shrine winds up today, as the victim of one of the lowest of crimes -- stealing from the poorbox. Here's the blog item:

"BPD Investigates Theft of Donation Box Money at Saint Anthony’s Shrine

On Sunday, June 21, 2009, at approximately 11:28pm, Officers assigned to Area A-1 (Downtown), responded to Saint Anthony’s Shrine, 100 Arch Street, Boston, for a report of a larceny.

Upon officers’ arrival, they spoke with church custodians who informed them that they observed an unknown male steal an unknown amount of money from the wooden donation box that is located in the main chapel’s first floor. A later inspection of the box showed the bottom panel to be broken from its hinges. The suspect is described as a thin white male wearing shorts and a t-shirt. The custodians immediately reported the incident to the security officer who confronted the suspect and escorted him out of the building onto Arch Street. The suspect left the area before the arrival of BPD officers.

Area A-1 (downtown) detectives are investigating this incident. Anyone with information pertaining to the unknown suspect is urged to call detectives at 617-343-4248. Information may also be relayed anonymously by calling CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS. You may also text “TIP” to CIME (27463)."

(Photo, by David L. Ryan of the Globe staff, shows the St. Anthony Shrine on Nov. 27, 2001.)