Montgomery County Police are investigating a burglary that occurred last Sunday at the Wat Thai Washington, D.C. Buddhist temple, where a safe containing approximately $20,000 in donated funds was stolen.
Police believe the burglary at this location may be linked to a similar burglary at the Noor Center Mosque in Germantown last month.
According to Fox 5, a man was caught on video entering a temple at around 11 a.m. Sunday without removing his shoes, suggesting he was not a member. Meanwhile, dozens of members were gathered nearby for a funeral luncheon. After scouting the interior, the man returned with friends. The trio went upstairs and ransacked the monk’s residences for approximately ten minutes before leaving the building.
Security cameras captured the men — one distracting a temple member while the other two thieves made off with a safe and valuables.
Resident monk Ruangrit Thaithae, known as Monk Jack, said the stolen safe contained approximately $20,000 in donations intended to be deposited at the bank on Monday. The temple is preparing for Songkran, the Thai New Year celebration, on Sunday, April 14.
“I would like to tell them that even if the law enforcement can’t catch them, the karma will,” Thaithae told Fox 5. “In Buddhism, we believe in karma. Karma will catch them soon…I think they’re still young, so if they stop doing these things and do the good things for their life, for their family and for people, they will be good. They still have time. They can be a good person. For the past, that’s ok, but in the future, if they stop and do good things, because they are making people suffer.”
Community members can support the temple by dropping off donations at the center located at 13440 Layhill Road.
On March 24, a similar burglary occurred at the Noor Center Mosque in Germantown, where the thieves damaged the property and searched for valuable items. Surveillance cameras captured footage of the incident.
Police said this is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Montgomery County Police at (301) 279-8000 or provide anonymous tips to Crime Solvers of Montgomery County by calling toll-free at (866) 411-TIPS (8477), submitting a tip online, or through the P3 Tips app.
Photo: © luzitanija – stock.adobe.com / MCPD Graphic
HELP identify these scums for stealing at the temple
byu/Dwight5chrute inSilverSpring