In the week of Diwali two Hindu temples were targeted by burglars in incidents police believe may be linked.

The first burglary took place on November 9 at the Shree Swaminarayan Temple in Willesdene Lane, Neasden.

At around 10.30pm on the night before the priests at the temple locked up and went to bed in an apartment above.

They were woken at around 2am by a crashing sound and went to investigate.

A male with in dark clothing a yellow rucksack was spotted moving around the temple, crouching to avoid detection.

Police were called and arrived with officers from the Dog Support Unit.

No suspect was found.

Collection boxes of charitable donations following the Diwali celebrations were stolen, as well as a number of religious idols from the altar.

On November 13 burglars targeted the Shri Kutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple in Westfield Lane, Harrow.

At around 3.45am an alarm sounded.

CCTV later showed priests at the temple that a lone male was searching through the premises.

The suspect was wearing all grey, a hooded coat and face covered.

Police attended but no suspect was found.

In both incidents the suspect gained entry by forcing entry through via a glass door/ window.

Due to the timing, method of entry and relative proximity of the incidents, police believe the offences could be linked and are urging other religious temples to take extra care in locking up and stowing away valuable items, especially in light of the upcoming Hinduand Sikh holy festival of Kartik Poornima, on 23 November.

Detective Constable Pete Wallace, of Harrow police, said: "I want to reassure our Hindu and Sikh communities, as well as all of the religious communities in Harrow and Brent, that we take offences such as this very seriously and are doing everything we can to trace the suspect. Such behaviour will not be tolerated.

"I would ask those in the community to keep a look out for religious idols that may be offered for sale; they will be distinctive items. If such an item is offered and the apparent 'seller' is unable to account for where it came from, please contact police immediately.

"In the meantime I would urge worshippers to take extra of their places of worship to avoid becoming a victim of crime."

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting 505/9 Nov for the first incident and 2580/13NOV18 for the second.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.