CUMMING, Ga. — Thieves stole gold necklaces from a Hindu temple in south Forsyth County on Thursday night.
At 5 p.m., six suspects walked into the Sri Maha Lakshmi Temple on Peachtree Parkway in Cumming, Georgia.
One adult male suspect distracted the two priests by acting interested in Hinduism and discussing the history of the building, eventually leading the priests outside. When one of the priests attempted to go back inside the building, one of the suspects blocked him from going in.
With the priests distracted, the two adult females walked around the prayer room and removed 24 karat gold necklaces from multiple deities. The four adults and two children left the building after removing a total of 10 necklaces worth an estimated $15,000.
Keshava Murthy, the chief priest, says the jewelry was purchased with money from donations. In light of the theft, he says they are changing some procedures at the temple. Non-Hindus will now be required to show an ID before entering the building.
Want more Forsyth County news? Follow us on Facebook.
Suspects in Sri Maha Lakshmi Temple theft
Want more Cumming news? Like us on Facebook.