A HINDU temple in Leicester was burgled last Friday (27) in the run-up to Navratri, a festival that spans nine nights.
Police said cash was stolen from the collection box at the Shree Hindu Mandir, off Uppingham Road, and the rear door was also smashed in.
The break-in is believed to have taken place sometime between 6.30pm on Friday and 6.45am on Saturday, police said.
Worshipper Rav Thakor told LeicestershireLive that the break-in has upset the community.
“It’s not a nice way to start Navratri," Thakor said. “A lot of damage has been caused. It looks like they have forced open the collection boxes, taken the notes and dumped the coins.
“We don’t know how much was taken because nobody knows how much was in the collection boxes. It could be quite a bit because the mandir has been busy recently with a lot or readings and recitals of holy texts.
“Everyone was looking forward to celebrating Navratri but this has not been a very happy start to the festival. It has upset the community.
“We hope somebody knows who is responsible and calls the police.”
Leicestershire Police has appealed for witnesses.
A protestor is detained by the police during a demonstration against the proposed site of the new Chinese Embassy, outside Royal Mint Court, in London. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso. 
