Thieves stole a donation box from the Sikh temple in Melbourne’s north, with police releasing CCTV as they try to track down the offenders.
Victoria Police said two men were involved in the burglary at the Shri Guru Ravidass Sabha temple in Campbellfield. It said the pair arrived by car about 10:30 PM before one offender forced his way inside the temple.
Police say the man allegedly used an angle grinder to cut through a lock to gain access before walking into the shrine area and removing a large donation box.
Investigators say about $1,500 cash was stolen prior to the offenders leaving the scene in the waiting vehicle.
The temple plays a wide community role beyond worship, hosting activities and services reliant on small regular donations.
Incidents like this can hit hard because they remove funds that are typically set aside for running costs and community support, rather than sitting idle.
The police have also released pictures and videos of a man who may possibly help them with investigations.
This man was wearing tracksuit bottoms, a black hoodie with white lettering and white shoes as well as a black hat, glove and an orange face mask.
The reported theft has also generated discussion concerning security risks posed to community centers, particularly those that run using volunteers keep their doors open long hours and practice trust based charitable donations.
The fact is that most churches lack the capacity to lock doors or afford upscale security measures without undermining the funding of their mission.
Though the police have not given an estimate of the property damage in the burglary incident the fact that an angle grinder was used makes it appear less impulsive and opportunistic burglary.
In the case of religious bodies even small scale property loss can precipitate larger costs.
The incident in Campbellfield also occurs amid ongoing concern across Melbourne about burglaries and thefts targeting community venues where offenders may assume cash donations are kept on site.
In the past police and community groups have called on places holding cash to consider how and when money is secured though many temples and churches say their primary purpose requires remaining accessible.
Police have called on anyone who witnessed the burglary can identify the man in the photograph above or have CCTV or dashcam footage from Malcolm Place around the time of this incident to contact Crime Stoppers.
