CHENNAI: Police have arrested a serial offender for breaking open a temple donation box and stealing cash in the Neelankarai area. A sum of Rs 5,000 has been recovered, and a two-wheeler used in the crime has been seized.

According to the complainant, M Mathi, the administrator of the Sri Devi Thandu Thulukanathamman Temple on Ponniamman Koil Street in Injambakkam, he had locked the temple on the night of December 16 and the following morning (December 17) found the lock on the donation box broken and the money inside was missing.

Acting on the complaint, the police apprehended the accused, identified as Honestraj (35), from Chromepet.

A probe found that Honestraj is a history sheet criminal with a long record at the Chromepet police station. He is reportedly involved in approximately 20 prior cases, including three attempts to murder, 11 thefts, and highway robberies.

Police recovered the stolen Rs 5,000 from his possession and impounded the motorcycle used to commit the crime.

The accused was produced before a court and was remanded in judicial custody.