A suspect accused of removing mezuzot from two homes in north west London has been arrested and released on bail, the police confirmed today.
On Monday morning, the mezuzot were allegedly removed from front doors in Bridge Lane, Golders Green. One of the incidents was caught on a CCTV camera, with the suspect appearing to approach a front door and hack off the Jewish fixture with a knife.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed today that a 33-year-old suspect was arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of “racially-motivated criminal damage,” and has been released on bail pending further enquiries.
They did not confirm whether the suspect was the same man caught on camera.
Sharing the footage on Tuesday, a spokesperson for Jewish security charity, Shomrim, said: “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.”
They asked any additional victims to contact them quoting reference NW683-20/05/25.
The spokesperson went on, “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.”
The Met Police said: “A 33-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 21 May on suspicion of racially-motivated criminal damage, and has been bailed pending further enquiries.
This relates to two incidents on Monday, 19 May where mezuzot were allegedly removed from doors in Bridge Lane, Golders Green.”
