Vandals damaged exterior structures and machinery at the Fort Collins Colorado Temple construction site early Sunday morning, according to the Coloradoan.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints released a statement Tuesday regarding the vandalism.

“We are saddened by the vandalism at the construction site of the Fort Collins Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and at other places of worship in the area," said Eric Hawkins, a spokesman for the LDS Church, referring to three Fort Collins churches that were burglarized this summer. "Both the construction company and the church are working closely with local authorities as they pursue their investigation. Questions regarding the nature of the vandalism should be directed to local law enforcement."

The Fort Collins Temple was announced by President Thomas S. Monson in April 2011, and it will be the second LDS temple in Colorado. Ground was broken on the construction site on Aug. 24, 2013.

There are 148 LDS temples in operation around the world.

Email: cpotter@deseretdigital.com