Public's Help Sought To Locate Serial Church Burglar In LA
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Deputies on Thursday sought the public's help to identify a man suspected of burglarizing a church and Buddhist temple in the Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights areas.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the burglaries occurred during the day when the houses of worship were open to the public.
Officials said the suspect stole about $30,000 from locked donation boxes within the church and temple over the past year.
Authorities said he struck the Buddhist temple at least twice.
CBS2's Jeff Nguyen on Thursday spoke to church and temple goers.
"You automatically feel a sense of belonging. A sense of peace. I wouldn't think someone would have the audacity to do that," said Jamal Blake, visiting Hsi Lai Temple.
Authorities would not confirm the robberies occurred at Hsi Lai.
Visitors to the temple told Nguyen that the donations go to a variety of causes, including charity work.
"Everybody likes to donate and help the poor or whoever is in need," said Eric Young.
Blake says he made a donation on Thursday even though he is not a Buddhist.
"It's for the benefit of everyone who comes and takes part in it. They give a bunch of free things inside," Blake said.
Detectives described the suspect as a Latino who has "tribal band" tattoos on both legs, and has large tattoos on both arms. Authorities are hoping the tattoos will help the public identify the suspect.
Officials told Nguyen a third theft occurred at a church.
"He went into I want to say an office area that's not even directly open to the public but he was able to get inside and pry open the cash boxes," said Det. Charell Heard of the LA County Sheriff's Department.
Anyone with information regarding these thefts or the suspect is urged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Industry Station at (626) 330-3322.
