Brampton man charged in Hindu temple break-and-enters in Pickering and Ajax

A Brampton man faces charges in connection to multiple break-and-enters at Hindu temples in Pickering and Ajax.

The break-and-enters were first reported in October this year and could be connected to similar incidents reported across the GTA.

A suspect was caught on video in a Mississauga temple in June. In September, three people allegedly broke into a Buddhist temple in Mississauga.

The charges in Durham Region are connected to three break-and-enters to Hindu temples on Oct. 8.

On Sunday, Oct. 8 at approximately 12:45 a.m., police responded to reports of a break-and-enter in progress at a Hindu temple in the area of Bayly Street and Krosno Boulevard in Pickering, Durham Regional Police said in a press release.

A man was seen on security surveillance entering the temple and allegedly taking a large quantity of cash from the donation boxes, police said.  The man fled the area before police arrived.  He was captured on surveillance footage later that morning allegedly entering Hindu temples in Pickering and Ajax.

Police said they have linked the same man to numerous other break-and-enters at Hindu temples throughout the year.  These break-and-enters occurred in Durham Region and around the GTA, police said.

Although these offences occurred at places of worship, they do not appear to be hate crimes or motivated by hate, police added.

Jagdish Pandher, 41, from Brampton faces charges for numerous offences including four counts of break-and-enter place other than dwelling; four counts of possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000; one count of break-and-enter with intent; and five counts of breach of probation.

He was held for a bail hearing.

Anyone with information about these incidents should contact Detective Constable Aselton of the West Division Property Crimes Unit at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 2535.

Anonymous information can be sent to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.durhamregionalcrimestoppers.ca and tipsters may be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.