Another church in south Westland has had its honesty box stolen, the fifth local church to be targeted in this way in recent weeks.
The latest to have its box taken was the Franz Josef Catholic church.
Police said a padlock on the honesty box inside the church had been hack-sawed off some time between February 11 and February 22.
The box could have contained up to $150, senior constable Mike Tinnelly said.
Across the road at Franz, St James Anglican Church had its honesty box taken last week.
Thefts have also occurred from churches at Whataroa, Hari Hari and Ross in recent weeks.
“This person needs to be stopped because these are all donations . . . and this money is going to some germ,” Mr Tinnelly said.