CCTV footage shows man allegedly taking cash from wishing bowl in Eunos temple, then clasping hands
A 77-year-old man is assisting with police investigations after he allegedly took S$200 in cash from a temple in Eunos.
After the alleged deed, he was seen clasping his hands together in front of a statue, as if asking for forgiveness, according to CCTV footage posted on the Facebook page of Hoon Sian Keng Temple.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
Man peers into donation boxes at Eunos temple
In one of the videos, which had a timestamp of 1.28pm on 28 Aug, the man wearing a blue T-shirt is seen approaching a donation box in the temple with his hands clasped.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
He peers into the slit, but moves away, clasping his hands again.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
He then appears to inspect a chair behind the box, then proceeds to stand in front of an altar.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
In another clip, the man peers into another donation box with a small opening, then leaves again.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
Man takes items from wishing bowl, puts them in his pocket
Finally, in a third clip recorded at 1.31pm, the man looked furtively around the premises before fixing his eyes on a wishing bowl.
He stretched his left arm inside and appeared to remove some of its contents.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
He then inserted them into his shirt pocket.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
After doing this, he once again clasps his hands and appears to pray in front of the statue.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
Eunos temple warns of ‘suspicious’ man on its premises
In its post, the temple said the “suspicious individual” was seen entering the premises, “with concerns that the person may have attempted to steal temple donation funds”.
It reminded the public that the temple is “fully covered” by CCTV, which records all activities.
The case will be reported to the police, the temple noted, warning the public to “stay alert. Stay vigilant”.
3 temple staff present did not see the man
Speaking to Shin Min Daily News, the temple’s 34-year-old chairman Chen Jingliang (transliterated from Mandarin) said three staff members were present at the time — two caretakers and a secretary on duty at the front desk.
None of them noticed what the man was doing, as the caretakers were tidying the area while the secretary was in the office.
The man had not been seen at the temple previously, but Mr Chen believed he had recced the site as he moved fast, taking less than five minutes.
Source: Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook
Estimated S$200 in cash allegedly taken
The bowl he allegedly took cash from is usually used by devotees, who would put coins or notes inside after making a wish. The cash is transferred to the donation boxes at the end of the day.
Mr Chen estimated that he had taken about S$200.
Though the amount was not large, the temple hopes to raise awareness to let the public know that taking money from a temple is wrong, no matter what difficulties one is facing.
Man assisting with police investigations
In response to queries from MS News, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said it received a call for assistance at about 2.20pm on 28 Aug.
It was from 82 Changi Road — the address of Hoon Sian Keng Temple.
A 77-year-old man is assisting with police investigations, which are ongoing.
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Featured image adapted from Hoon Sian Keng Temple 雲仙宫 on Facebook.
