This is the shocking moment a suspected thief snatched a gold chain from a woman's neck at a temple in India.

Footage shows an elderly devotee dressed in a blue saree sitting by the window and engrossed in prayer. She is alongside other worshippers at the Ganesh Temple in the Shankar Nagar neighbourhood of Bangalor on October 10.

Suddenly, she can be heard shouting as fellow followers halt their worship and become silent, startled by her.

Authorities stated that a man outside the window reached in and grabbed the gold necklace from her neck.

Local media reported that the thief managed to escape with half of the chain, which weighed approximately 30 grams.

The victim promptly reported the incident to the police, who have since secured CCTV video and are actively investigating the theft to apprehend the culprit.