CEDAR PARK -- Burglars targeted Hindus in Williamson County, stealing their jewelry and other valuables during a religious holiday, according to law enforcement officers.
Cedar Park Police confirmed at least four separate burglaries over a three-day span in late October. A Williamson County Sheriff's Office spokesperson said the department had several instances as well.
"All of the victims were members of the Hindu faith and were celebrating what we found out to be the Hindu holiday of Diwali," Cedar Park Police Commander Brian Wukasch said.
During the holiday Hindus often dress in expensive jewelry. Police believe the thieves knew that and broke into the homes.
Many of the victims attended Temple at Sri Venkateswara in Cedar Park.
"It comes from a tradition in India where the woman inherit from her mother gold jewelry and on and on and on and that's the way they would accumulate wealth rather than put it in a bank," Sri Venkateswara Temple President Craig Edwards said.
One victim, who asked to remain anonymous, said the thieves broke in through her bathroom window and took off with more than $10,000.
"Very frustrating and it's a violation of privacy," she said.
The sheriff's office says the same thing happened last year during Diwali.
Cedar Park Police are following several leads, but so far, no arrests.
They hope to get the word out so it doesn't happen again next year.
