Two teenagers suspected of graffitiing swastikas in Borehamwood arrested

Two teenagers who are suspected of arson and graffitiing swastikas in Borehamwood have been arrested.

The graffiti was found on Monday evening, the day after Rosh Hashanah, in several locations, including The Campions, Retford Close and Sawtry Way, and was reported by a local councillor, Jeremy Newmark.

Hertfordshire Constabulary reportedly said: “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. A 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.”

The graffiti has been cleaned.

Cllr Newmark reportedly said that he was “appalled to receive multiple reports from concerned residents about a spate of antisemitic graffiti on Council garages and street furniture in and around that area,” adding: “Together with other Ward Councillors I’ve previously called for action on the growth of antisocial behaviour around this lovely neighbourhood.”

Campaign Against Antisemitism’s analysis of Home Office statistics shows that an average of over three hate crimes are directed at Jews every single day in England and Wales, with Jews almost four times more likely to be targets of hate crimes than any other faith group.

Image credit: Cllr Jeremy Newmark