Disturbing photos issued by Toms River police illustrate the extent of the damage from the looting of poorboxes earlier this week at Saint Joseph's Church in the township.

Looted poorbox at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
Looted poorbox at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
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One box, safeguarded by an electronic keypad, appears pried at its top. Another stands on a pedestal near rows of votive candles, entry door wide open. The wood framing for a set of votives is shredded, exposing underpinnings.

Vandalized Votive Stand at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
Vandalized Votive Stand at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
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Police have not disclosed any progress in finding suspects, and continue to urge anyone with knowledge of the burglary to step forward.

The crime was committed some time after the Hooper Avenue house of worship closed Sunday night, about 8 PM, and before daybreak Monday, according to investigators.

Looted Poorbox at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
Looted Poorbox at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
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Pastor Father Scott Shaffer, noting a similar incident in 2014, expressed dismay at conditions that lead to acts of violence in traditional havens of trust such as churches, but remained hopeful that whoever was in straits this dire would find help and healing.

Vandalized Votive Stand at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
Vandalized Votive Stand at Saint Joseph's Church (Toms River PD)
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