A number of homes in North west London have been targeted by vandal tearing off mezuzot, according to Jewish security charity Shomrim.
A knife-wielding suspect was caught on camera hacking a mezuzah from a doorframe in Golder’s Green on Monday morning.
The Metropolitan Police later clarified that two homes were targeted by the suspect.
Sharing the footage, Shomrim said it had "received multiple reports of incidents that appear to be deliberate acts of antisemitism, involving the removal of mezuzot in Golders Green”.
Shomrim asked any additional victims to contact them quoting reference NW683-20/05/25.
In the CCTV footage, stamped with the time and date and shared on social media, a man can be seen approaching a house in Golders Green and using a knife to take off the mezuzah.
The suspect stops on the doorstep of the house, takes out a knife from his waist and proceeds to hack the mezuzah off the doorframe.
After dislodging the object, he pulls it off with his hand before turning away.
In the footage, the suspect is wearing black shorts, trainers and a long-sleeved hooded top, and is carrying a backpack covered in a Berghaus rain cover.
A spokesperson for Shomrim North West London said: “The religious Jewish community have traditionally borne a lot of the brunt of antisemitic attacks because they are most visibly Jewish. This has a profound impact on our quality of life. This person is caught on camera. He must be identified. We urge anyone with information to come forward.”
“Shomrim is supporting the victims of these incidents and continues to provide reassurance patrols in the area. The organisation encourages anyone who has been affected or who has experienced any form of antisemitism to get in touch. Shomrim specialises in reporting, and supporting victims of antisemitic crime, and all reports will be handled with sensitivity and urgency.”
In a statement, the Met said: “Police are investigating after a man allegedly removed mezuzot from doors in the Golders Green area.
"Around 10.15hrs on Monday, 19 May, the man approached two addresses in Bridge Lane. Officers are working to identify the man and anyone with any information is asked to contact police.
"Officers will be carrying out patrols in the area following these concerning reports and members of the public are encouraged to report any issues to officers. If you witnessed the incidents, or have information, please contact 101, quoting crime reference 6669/20MAY.”
