The shocking moment a heartless thief steals OAP's handbag while she prays

Heartless thief steals OAP's handbag in church

A CALLOUS thief commits the ultimate sin by robbing an elderly woman’s belongings while she is deep in prayer. The heartless offence took place during a service at Our Lady Queen of Heaven Catholic Church in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The unidentified man checks the coast is clear before committing the offence

Footage shows that while the unnamed 84-year-old woman was deep in reflection, the man took a quick look around the church before creeping up behind her chair.

The 84-year-old woman is unable to stop the thief from making an escape

After checking the coast is clear, the cruel crook swipes the oblivious OAP’s handbag from the seat beside her. The startled old lady is immediately alerted to the crime, but as she turns her head the bag bandit makes a quick getaway out of the church.

Even though the elderly woman attempts to follow the crook, she’s not able to get to the door quickly enough to stop the man from leaving.

Two days after the offence was committed, the thief seems to have felt some remorse for his crime, as he returned the bag to the church cemetery. Unfortunately, although he gave back the woman’s house keys and phone, all her other money and valuables remain unreturned.

Local cops are appealing for the public to help identify the suspect and have offered up a reward of $3,000 (£2000) for information that leads to an arrest.