Unholy wake up: priest forced to empty parish safe in late night break-in

The unknown man broke into the parish at Ararat's Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Victoria's central west at 11pm on July 17, police said.

He came in through the bedroom window, waking the sleeping priest and demanding access to the parish safe, before fleeing with $1000, according to investigators.

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The priest was not physically harmed during the break-in.

Police are searching for the culprit and investigators are calling for public assistance in confirming his identity.

CCTV footage from outside the parish showed the suspect wandering the grounds calmly with his hands in his pockets around 45 minutes before the alleged break-in.

Investigators described the man as being of slim to medium build and wearing a hooded jumper and pants.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.