Four Torahs Returned To Brooklyn Synagogue

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Four Torah scrolls that were stolen from a Brooklyn synagogue earlier this week have been returned.

The burglary happened overnight Tuesday during the Simchat Torah holiday at the Avenue O Synagogue in Midwood.

The Torahs, which have an estimated value of at least $250,000, were found in four large garbage bags by the synagogue's door around 1 a.m. Friday, said Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn).

"The Torah scrolls represent the heart of the Jewish people, and as the Sabbath approaches, we breathe a sigh of relief knowing our Torah scrolls are safely back in our possession," Hikind said. "Now we'd like to know who's responsible."

Authorities are looking at footage that shows a man double-parked and placing the bags outside the synagogue.

"While we appreciate and are very thankful for the return of the Sifrei Torah, we look forward to justice being served," Hikind said.

Police are also investigating footage from the time of the burglary that shows the suspect, a man in his 20s, dressed all in black and wearing a yarmulke. It was not clear how the suspect got into the synagogue. Police had said there were no obvious signs of forced entry.

No arrests have been made.