Police launch investigation after anti-Semitic graffiti incidents

Police investigating two incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti in Hertfordshire over the weekend are appealing for information and witnesses.

The first was in Borehamwood, when just after 10.30am on Sunday 1 October it was reported that anti-Semitic graffiti had been found on the pavement in Croxdale Road.

The graffiti, which was found around 50 to 60 yards from the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, was drawn in chalk and has since been removed.

PCSO Chris Bodell, from the Hertsmere Safer Neighbourhood Team, is investigating and has already contacted the local Community Security Trust as part of his enquiries. Additional foot patrols have also been planned in the vicinity at times of worship.

If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact police quoting reference ISR 216 of 1 October.

The second incident was in Bedmond, when just before 7pm on Sunday 1 October it was reported that anti-Semitic graffiti had been found on the wall of Bedmond Sports and Social Club, off Meadow Way.

The Abbots Langley Safer Neighbourhood Team are investigating and have already linked in with partners at the parish council who will be removing the graffiti, which was written in black spray paint.

Sergeant Jon Brown said: “The Jewish community are currently celebrating the seven days of Sukkot, a time of joy and happiness following the solemnity of Yom Kippur and marking the end of the High Holidays, so it is hugely disappointing that they have been targeted in these incidents.

“Our Jewish friends are a very important part of the diverse fabric of Hertfordshire’s community as a whole and we do not – and will never – tolerate prejudice against them, or any other group with protected characteristics.

“As part of our role as a Safer Neighbourhood Team, we strive to maintain good working relationships with the religious communities in our areas, so they know who to turn to if they are the victims of a hate crime or incident.

“We are already conducting initial enquiries but if you have any information about this incident, then please contact us quoting reference 41/78618/23.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary have dedicated Hate Crime Officers (HCOs) who offer support to victims of hate crime or incidents. You can request to be contacted by an HCO at the time of reporting a crime or incident. They will meet victims in a place where they feel comfortable and safe, explain their options and assist them throughout an investigation, or if the case goes to court. For more, visit the Herts Against Hate website (opens in new window).

If you haven’t reported the incident to police, you can still receive support from Hertfordshire Beacon (opens in new window) offers free care services to all victims of crime in the county, whether the victim has reported the matter to police or not.

You can report information online, use web chat or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form (opens in a new window).  

You can use our anonymous community voice platform ‘echo’ to let us know what you think we should be prioritising in your area. Your feedback will help towards shaping our local policing priorities, initiatives, and campaigns. Visit Three rivers ECHO (opens in a new window) and tell us your thoughts.

To receive police messages about a range of topics including burglaries, scams and missing people in your local area, sign up to OWL (opens in a new window) or download the ‘OWL crime alerts’ app from your app store.