Teens bailed by police investigating antisemitic graffiti

Police made two arrests on Monday evening, shortly after discovering garages, benches, vehicles, and signage had been spray-painted with swastikas, Stars of David, and other symbols and tags.

The graffiti was smeared in The Campions area of the town, home to Jewish residents, and came just hours after Jews had celebrated Rosh Hashanah - the Jewish New Year.

Yesterday, police confirmed an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old, both from Borehamwood, were arrested on Monday evening for a number of offences, including racially aggravated criminal damage and arson.

Police have since confirmed they have both been bailed while enquiries continue.

The graffiti, which has now been cleaned away, was condemned by politicians, residents, and religious leaders.

Rabbi Alex Chapper, senior Rabbi of Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue said: "To come out of an uplifting Rosh Hashanah to discover this cowardly graffiti attack is deeply upsetting.

"The Borehamwood Jewish community has good relations with the wider community and this makes it even more distressing.

"We are pleased the police have acted so quickly and arrested two suspects.

"Both Borehamwood and Elstree United Synagogue and I are available for anyone to talk to who has been affected by this incident."

Cowley Hill councillor Jeremy Newmark says he was approached by many "shocked" residents after the graffiti appeared and has been in touch with both the police and Hertsmere Borough Council.

In a video message, Cllr Newmark said: "Just a few days ago I had the immense pleasure and privilege of attending a shofar blowing ceremony for the Jewish New Year out on the green on the Campions estate.

"It was particularly shocking and disturbing to have to return to that same area just a couple of days later to see the aftermath of this horrific spate of antisemitic graffiti.

"The timing of this particular attack was designed to create fear and apprehension amongst local people but the response to this attack from the community, agency, town and borough councils, and most of all from the police, was a superb rejection of everything these people tried to achieve."

Councillor Jeremy Newmark Credit: Hertsmere Labour

Cllr Newmark also referenced the late mayor of Hertsmere, Cllr Cynthia Barker, whose funeral took place today, in his message.

He said: "We’re in a period of official mourning right now after the tragic loss of our mayor Cynthia Barker just over a week ago.

"Cynthia was a champion of tolerance and understanding and an advocate opposing racism and discrimination wherever they reared their ugly heads.

"Cynthia would have been appalled at the sights we have seen over the past 24 hours."

Mayor Cllr Cynthia Barker

Cllr Pat Strack, leader of Elstree and Borehamwood Town Council, said: "On behalf of staff and councillors, I wish to condemn the antisemitic remarks and graffiti which has appeared in the town.

"Any form of aggressive behaviour in whatever form and directed at any part of our community will not be tolerated.

"In these extremely difficult times our community has shown resilience in working together across race, religion, age or sexual orientation."

Cllr Strack added: "These are the tenets of the town council. Respect for one another is paramount. We cannot stand by and see fear and ignorance mar the good feelings in the town.

"I would like to extend thanks from councillors and all townsfolk, to the town clerk who organised town staff to remove the offensive propaganda immediately."

Councillor Pervez Choudhury, portfolio holder for community safety at Hertsmere Borough Council, added: "I am appalled to see antisemitic, racist graffiti appear in Hertsmere overnight.

"Racism and messages of hate have no place in our borough and will not be tolerated.

"As a council we work hard to promote community cohesion and challenge prejudice to make our borough a better place."

Hertfordshire Constabulary said on Tuesday: "Police were called at around 8pm on Monday 21 September to report that two men were acting suspiciously near a van in Stapleton Road, Borehamwood.

"Officers attended and discovered the van had been broken into and a small fire had been started nearby.

"Graffiti was also discovered on a number of garages and vehicles in the area.

"An 18-year-old man from Borehamwood was arrested on suspicion of arson, criminal damage to a vehicle, racially aggravated criminal damage, going equipped, interference with a motor vehicle and burglary (non-dwelling).

"A 16-year-old boy from Borehamwood was arrested on suspicion of arson, interference with a motor vehicle, criminal damage, burglary (non-dwelling) and racially aggravated criminal damage."