(WHITE SETTLEMENT) – Facial recognition video may have been the key to identification of a temple theft suspect sought for about one year by White Settlement Police. Authorities are now searching for 36 year old Narcis Chiciu, who they say has been identified as a possible ringleader of teams that steal from the temples and other houses of worship across North Texas and nationwide. Police believe Chicui led an organized theft ring that targeted temples in Fort Worth and Irving as well, with hits on other houses of worship nationwide. Authorities say the Theravada Buddhist Temple was a target for nearly $38,000 in cash.
The FBI and other police agencies are helping to search for the crooks. Police say the teams distract personnel inside the temples, asking for prayers but then blocking those inside from stopping the theft.
Since the incident, White Settlement Police Department has increased patrols at the temple and worked with them on bettering safety measures.
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