New Years thieves target Buddhist temples

San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Feb 3, 2006

ROSEMEAD, Calif. (USA) -- A rash of thefts is making for a not-so-happy Chinese New Year at some Buddhist temples in the area.

The Dharma Seal Temple in Rosemead was repeatedly hit by the same pair of crooks before worshippers and temple workers recognized them on their third visit and chased them away.

An L-A County sheriff's spokesman says deputies arrested the two as they fled the temple on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the abbot of Rosemead Buddhist Monastery says his temple has been robbed so many times, he had to install bars on the windows.

He says Buddhist temples are targeted by thieves around the Lunar New Year celebration because they know they're flush with cash donations.
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