The Suffolk Police Hate Crimes Unit says it is searching for six people who tried to steal from a Buddhist temple in Centereach.
The incident happened in March, according to officials.
Police say six people walked into Vajiradhammapadip Temple on Rustic Road. That is when three people went into the temple and the other three went into the living quarters.
A resident confronted the suspects and all six sped off in a grey minivan waiting outside.
Anyone with information is asked to call police.