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SUVA, FIJI, January 18, 2004: Police are on the hunt for thieves who desecrated a temple early yesterday. The Shiu Narayan temple at Salato Circle in Newtown, outside Suva, was left in a mess when its priest arrived for worship. It was the fifth time thieves raided the temple. Police said thieves gained entry by removing louvre blades and making away with $1,260 worth of items including speakers and religious equipment. The temple caretaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said they were tired of reporting the matter to police and were reiterating their calls to relevant authorities to find the culprits who have no respect for places of worship. The caretaker said this was not the first time for the thieves to break into the temple and, despite police intervention, the temple still remains a target for thieves. Government has in the past declared that it will not tolerate the desecration of any religious place of worship. Minister for Multi Ethnic Affairs George Shiu Raj yesterday said he was deeply concerned about the incident. Mr Raj said peace and unity in multiracialism was being attacked by such acts.

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