Police have said it "will not tolerate anti-Semitism" after two Jewish households in Borehamwood were targeted yesterday.
Hertfordshire Constabulary says it is investigating two "racially motivated crimes" that occurred on the Farriers Way estate on Monday (May 17).
Between midday and 6.45pm, a Mezuzah was removed from the door of property. A scroll within the Mezuzah and the Mezuzah itself were both destroyed.
Earlier on in the day - between 8am and 11am, a Mezuzah was also removed from a neighbouring property and remains missing.
In Judaism, a Mezuzah is traditionally fixed to the front door of a person's home and is considered to be symbolic.
An example of a Mezuzah. Credit: Herts Police
The incidents on the Farriers Way estate came a day after a video surfaced in north London of a convoy of Pro-Palestinian protesters.
One man was heard to shout "f*** the Jews" and "rape their daughters" - language described by the Prime Minister Boris Johnson as "shameful".
Oliver Dowden, Hertsmere MP, labelled the incident as "vile" and tweeted that he knew how "deeply worried and vulnerable Jewish residents in Hertsmere are feeling", calling for "robust action" to be taken.
Four men were later arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of racially aggravated public order offences. The Metropolitan Police has since confirmed the men have been released on bail pending further enquiries.
In light of yesterday's reports in Borehamwood, police say extra patrols are in place in Hertsmere - an area with one of the largest Jewish communities in England.
The borough's chief inspector, Mark Bilsdon, said: "I would like to make it clear to the local Jewish community that we will not tolerate anti-Semitism. Please be reassured that thorough enquiries are being carried out to find those responsible and get justice.
"We have currently got extra patrols in place across Hertsmere; please don’t be afraid to approach us with any concerns when you see us out and about. I would also like to reassure you that we have reported these incidents centrally so that it can feed into the wider intelligence picture across the UK."
He added: "The victims are understandably shaken by what has happened and we will be putting them in touch with a specially trained hate crime officer in case they want extra support. I would urge anybody who witnessed what happened or anyone with information about the incidents to get in touch by calling the non-emergency number 101 and quoting the relevant crime reference number.
"You can also report information online at herts.police.uk/report or speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat at herts.police.uk/contact."
Rabbi Alex Chapper
Rabbi Alex Chapper, senior Rabbi of Borehamwood & Elstree Synagogue, said: "I'm appalled to hear that Jewish homes have been targeted locally. I've been in contact with the local police and we'll be working together to enable an appropriate response to support and reassure the Jewish community.
"If I can offer any assistance to anyone affected by this, please do be in touch."
Any information on the incident on the Farriers Way estate where the Mezuzah was destroyed can be reported using the crime reference 41/36556/21.
Any information on the incident on the Farriers Way estate where the Mezuzah has been reported missing can be reported using the crime reference 41/36605/21.
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