Police Investigate Anti-Semitic Graffiti Incidents on Same day in Hertfordshire Locations

On Sunday, October 1, 2023, two incidents of anti-Semitic graffiti were reported in Hertfordshire.

Hertfordshire Police said it appeared over the weekend in Borehamwood, and 10 miles (16km) away in Bedmond.

The first discovery was In Borehamwood after 10.30am, graffiti was found on the pavement in Croxdale Road, around 50 to 60 yards from the Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue. The graffiti 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.

Police are investigating both incidents and are appealing for information and witnesses. If you have any information that could assist the investigation, please contact police quoting reference ISR 216 of 1 October.

In Bedmond before 7pm, graffiti was found on the wall of Bedmond Sports and Social Club, off Meadow Way. The graffiti 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.”

Support for Victims of Hate Crime

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. For more, visit the Herts Against Hate website (opens in new window).

What is a Hate Crime?

A hate crime is a crime that is motivated by hostility or prejudice towards a person’s religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability or transgender identity.

Why is it Important to Report Hate Crimes?

It is important to report hate crimes so that the police can investigate them and take action against the perpetrators. Reporting hate crimes also helps to raise awareness of the problem and to send a message that such crimes will not be tolerated.

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.