Suspect In Repeat Robberies Had Inside Knowledge Of Jersey City Synagogue

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- There have been back-to-back robberies at a New Jersey synagogue.

A thief in Jersey City got away with more than just money from the B'Nai Jacobs synagogue off of West Side Avenue.

Important religious articles with a great deal of signifigance in the Jewish community were taken, a board member told CBS2.

A security camera across the parking lot from the synagogue caught the suspect leaving with his hands full around 12:30 a.m. this past Tuesday.

The co-president of the synagogue called the items irreplaceable.

Heritage items were taken including two very old Torahs gifted to the congregation in memory of loved ones along with silver pieces and cash.

The day before, they discovered missing petty cash and furniture stolen from an adjoining apartment.

The rabbi said the thief knew exactly what he was doing, knowing he could access vulnerable points on the roof.

Late Thursday afternoon, police charged 39-year-old Thomas Dobles with burglary and theft. He was a former employee. His parents were caretakers of the synagogue for more than 20 years.

Dobles knew how to disarm the alarm system and the code for the safe.

"Distressed to know it would be someone we know and has been part of this institution, we feel even more violated because of that," Siegel said.

Police were able to track down and return the Torahs but the rabbi said they must be looked over carefully before they can be used.

The congregation said getting the items back was very important with the high holidays coming soon.