Bronx Church Burglary: Suspect Sought After Early Morning Break-In at St. Ray’s on Castle Hill Avenue

UNHOLY CROOK - Thief Breaks into St. Ray’s Church

By Staff Reporter

Bronx Voice

April 29, 2026

BRONX, NY  - Cops are looking for a sacrilegious crook who broke into St. Raymond’s Church and stole money. Now the NYPD is asking for the public’s help in catching this unholy creep.

According to the NYPD, the incident took place around 4:00 a.m. on April 15, at St. Ray’s Church, located at 1759 Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx. Investigators say an unidentified man forcibly entered the building by breaking through a side door, gaining access to the property while it was closed.

Once inside, the suspect allegedly removed approximately $450 in cash before leaving the scene. Police say he fled on foot, heading southbound along Castle Hill Avenue. No injuries were reported during the burglary, but the damage to the church and the violation of a place of worship have raised concerns among parishioners and nearby residents.

Authorities describe the suspect as a man with a dark complexion. At the time of the incident, he was reportedly wearing dark-colored pants, a black sweatshirt, a black hat, and carrying a black backpack. Surveillance images released by police are now being used to help identify him.

The case is being investigated by officers within the 43rd Precinct, and the NYPD is asking for the public’s help in tracking down the individual involved. Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity in the area during the early morning hours or who recognizes the suspect is urged to come forward.

This Bronx church burglary early morning break-in on Castle Hill Avenue highlights ongoing concerns about commercial and religious property burglaries in New York City neighborhoods. Community members say they are hopeful the suspect will be identified quickly and that additional security measures may be considered to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Police encourage anyone with information related to the St. Ray’s Church burglary on Castle Hill Avenue in the Bronx April 2026 to contact Crime Stoppers. Tips can be provided anonymously, and all information will be kept confidential.

As the investigation continues, residents in the Castle Hill section of the Bronx are being reminded to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity, especially during overnight hours when businesses and institutions are most vulnerable to early morning burglary incidents targeting churches and commercial establishments.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at https://crimestoppers.nypdonline.org/, on X @NYPDTips.