A Pennsylvania nun has been arrested after she was allegedly recorded on surveillance video stealing food and toiletries from a store.

State police said Sister Agnes Pennino was seen taking $23 worth of items from the Surplus Outlet near the town of Berwick on Monday.

As she wandered around the store, the nun can be seen removing red plastic bags from her purse before allegedly bagging up items she had in her trolley and then exiting the store without paying.

Zane Kishbach, manager at the store, told local station WNEP: "I was shocked, to say the least. I was shocked. I couldn't believe it that a nun would actually do something like that."

Investigators have said they believe Pennino intended to steal the items from the store.

She waited for someone to enter through the front door, which caused the automatic front door to open, before leaving with the items still in her trolley.

The 78-year-old is a nun at Saints Cyril and Methodius Convent in Danville, around 20 miles away from the store.

State police traced the number plate of the car she was driving to the convent.

The theft is classed as a summary offence. If Pennino pleads guilty, she would only have to pay a fine.

The convent has declined to comment.