Police probe break-in at N. Merrick parish

Nassau County police are investigating a burglary Wednesday at a North Merrick church, police said.

A police spokesman said that two buildings at Sacred Heart Parish, 720 Merrick Ave., were broken into between 12:30 and 8:30 a.m., with an unspecified amount of money taken from the church's former elementary school.

Another building, the pastoral center, also was broken into, police said.

The Rev. Joseph J. Nixon, pastor at the Roman Catholic church, said damage to the interior of both buildings was "super minimal" and that "a couple of things were taken."

He did not elaborate on what was missing, citing the police investigation. He also said no one was injured and that there were no broken windows or obvious damage to doors.

Nixon said much of the damage appeared to be items tossed around the interior of both buildings.

The scattering of material "made my office messier," Nixon said.

The elementary school at the parish closed in June, but the building is still used for religious education and other activities, Nixon said.

Anyone with information on the burglary can call Crime Stoppers, 800-244-8477. All calls will be kept confidential.