String of thefts reported at DFW Buddhist temples

WHITE SETTLEMENT, Texas — On Sunday, Nov. 20, simply earlier than 12:30 p.m., a automotive full of individuals pulled into Wat Busayadhammvanaram, the Buddhist temple in White Settlement.

Witnesses stated there have been 9 individuals, eight who received out of the automotive and entered the monastery.

“We let them come in, and he asked the monk to pray for his brother because his brother had cancer. He’s in the hospital,” stated Sulee Adams. At the Buddhist temple, they do not flip away anybody in want. 

Adams translated for Saravut Pumcharoen, the monk who was there when the incident occurred. Only one different member was at the temple at the time.

Pumcharoen stated three girls blocked him from leaving the prayer room, whereas others distracted the member. During that point, two of the suspects went to the monks dwelling quarters, broke into their locked rooms and file cupboards.

“He already had a feeling something is not right in that time,” stated Adams. “He was confused and scared and didn’t know what to do.”

White Settlement Police Chief Christopher Cook confirms the thieves took $38,000 in money, thought of a felony theft. Cook calls it a diversionary theft tactic. 

“They’re really preying upon these facilities,” stated Cook. “It’s very unfortunate that somebody would prey upon a faith-based organization like our Buddhist temple.”

Since the incident was reported, Cook has been in communication with Irving and Fort Worth police departments, who’re additionally investigating thefts at the Buddhist temples in these cities.

Cook stated the getaway automotive, later present in White Settlement, had pretend paper tags and was stolen out of Dallas earlier than the three DFW Buddhist temples have been focused. He believes the van was used within the Fort Worth incident. 

The chief added that the Arlington Police Department has noticed that automobile in an residence complicated in East Arlington and is aiding with the investigation.

Cook additionally acquired calls from police departments throughout the nation, citing comparable crimes. Cook stated the FBI is now concerned to find out if it needs to be enhanced to a hate crime. 

“They were taken advantage of. You had a group of criminals that walked in here deliberately distracting the monk, distracting other leadership here with the goal of trying to steal as much money as they had. It basically wiped them out, took all their donations. That’s horrific,” stated Cook.

Members of the temple and the monks are nervous for the following Buddhist temple that could possibly be focused. They hope the suspects are caught.

Anyone with information in regards to the suspects is requested to contact White Settlement Police Department.