Vandals damage Fort Collins LDS temple construction site

Fort Collins police are searching for suspects who significantly vandalized the construction site of the Temple of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints early Sunday morning.

The suspects damaged parts of building and exterior structures at the site at 2180 Majestic Drive, which is near the southeast corner of Trilby and Timberline roads and across Timberline Road from the temple.

The vandals also damaged construction machinery by driving one piece of equipment into a structure and spray painting others pieces of equipment.

Police found the damage around 3 a.m. when they responded to a report of a burglary. The financial loss from the damage is not yet known.

Evidence from the scene suggests the destruction may be connected to previous burglary and vandalism incidents. Police said they will not release details concerning evidence found at the scene at this time.

Three other Fort Collins churches were burglarized in late July and earlier this month.

Burglars took several items, including cash, in each incident. The burglaries occurred in the 2700 block of South Lemay Avenue, 900 block of East Prospect Road, and 600 block of East Drake Road. The church on Drake was vandalized twice.

Anyone with information about these crimes is encouraged to call Detective Marnie Christensen with Fort Collins Police at 970-221-6580 or Crime Stoppers at 970-221-6868.