Video captures thieves using power tool to steal from SVCC Fremont Hindu temple

FREMONT, Calif. (KGO) — Surveillance video captured thieves using some kind of power tool to try to break into a safe inside a Hindu temple in Fremont.

Members of SVCC Temple in Fremont say around 2:15 Tuesday morning, three people broke into their place of worship.

On Tuesday afternoon, priest and manager Skanda Kumar showed us around and pointed out the cash offerings made to deities that were stolen.

“This is what they took – about seven of them,” Kumar said.

Kumar estimates $2,000 was taken but it could be more.

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He showed us the surveillance video. The suspects attempt to get into the metal safe using a drill or saw with sparks flying on and off for more than three minutes.

“I felt really sad and I was afraid it would get on fire, but it did not,” Kumar said.

We spoke with Prisad Ramakrishnan who volunteers with the temple.

“You feel violated, you feel like your personal space and this is not our personal space – this is a space for the deities and for the devotees,” Ramakrishnan said.

On a typical Tuesday night, he said around 200 devotees come to the temple.

“Whether it’s a temple or a church, it’s a place of worship and we want to make sure people who come here feel safe,” Ramakrishnan said.

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He explained the money that was stolen is directly from community members who donate for offerings but also religious proceedings.

“Every week, we have hundreds of meters of garlands that are made,” Ramakrishnan said.

The temple purchases fresh flowers, fruits and other decorative items. Members said this is not the first time SVCC Temple has been burglarized, but it is the worst.

“It’s important for the public to know that this is happening. And they need to be safe,” Ramakrishnan said.

They filed a police report for this burglary and ones prior.

We reached out to Fremont police and are still waiting to hear back.