Padubidri: Thieves broke into the Uchila Sri Mahalingeshwara Temple and robed valuables on Saturday night.

The thieves gained entry into the temple premises by climbing the flag pole and fled from the west main door, sources said.

As per the complaint, the robbers took away Rs 15,000 from the offering box and silver plates worth Rs 500. The thieves also tried to break open the two donation boxes at the entrance but failed. They also entered the Sanctorum and vandalized the Ganapathi statue by removing the panchaloha mask.

The theft came to light on Sunday morning when the assistant priest Rajaram Bhat opened the temple doors. President temple administration, Chandrashekhar Shetty filed a complaint with the Padubidri Police.