Tarneit Gurudwara Sahib, a Sikh temple in Melbourne’s west was burgled on early Monday morning.
Two masked men broke into the temple around 1:30 am and stole the cash from the temple’s donation boxes, the Gurudwara committee told SBS Hindi.
“It was all over in five minutes. This time, they were two men. They came prepared with tools and broke into the Gurudwara Sahib,” Mr Gurdeep Singh Girn told SBS Hindi.
Source: Supplied
“The duo headed straight to the donation box stole the money and walked away.
"They knew exactly what needs to be done. They came without any bags. There is a cloth inside the donation box. They just wrapped it all up in the cloth and left," he said.
The entire act was captured on the temple’s CCTV cameras which the Gurudwara management has provided to the local police.
“We have alerted the police and they are investigating the matter,” Mr Girn said.
This is the second instance the Gurudwara’s donation boxes have been burgled. In February this year, the donation box kept outside was stolen.
“More security measures needed at places of worship”
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Following these repeated incidents, the members of the community have called for security upgrade of the Sikh temple.
Jasvinder Sidhu, a former Gurudwara committee member said there was an urgent need to upgrade security.
“It is a shameful act by burglars who broke into Tarneit Sikh Gurudwara last night.
“They have disrespected Sikh traditions with muddy shoes all over the darbar hall.
“I have sought people’s suggestions over how we can improve the security features,” he said.
The committee said they were considering suggestions made by the members of the community.
“We have received emails and messages from members of our community. I want to assure them that we are considering upgrading our security in the form of security doors and alarms,” Mr Girn said.
