Police step up night patrols in Golders Green after spate of antisemitic attacks
EXCLUSIVE: Barnet commander confirms extra officers deployed overnight as mayor condemns “disgusting” desecrations
Police have stepped up night patrols in Golders Green in response to a string of antisemitic incidents that have targeted synagogues, schools, and homes.
Speaking exclusively to Jewish News, Barnet’s policing commander, Det Chief Supt Luke Williams, confirmed additional officers are now working late into the night to protect the community.
“We have increased the number of patrols, so people will see more police in and around Golders Green,” he said. “These offences are revolting and appalling. We are working closely with community leaders and partners to keep people safe, and we urgently need the public’s help to identify the suspect seen in the CCTV images we released.”
The comments follow eight antisemitic incidents in just over a week. Seven desecration attacks – targeting four synagogues, a private residence, and a Jewish school and a nursery – are being treated as linked. Another case involved a man arrested after shouting antisemitic abuse at school children in Bridge Lane, later detained under the Mental Health Act.
In the most recent incident, excrement was smeared on the doors of a synagogue and adjoining nursery in the early hours of Thursday. Previous attacks have seen faeces daubed on synagogue entrances and walkways, and a bucket of urine thrown at a school.
Shomrim volunteers have responded to each reported attack, working with detective to support victims and encourage vigilance.
City Hall also condemned the wave of incidents. A spokesperson for Sadiq Khan told Jewish News: “The Mayor is appalled by the recent disgusting antisemitism attacks in Golders Green and is clear that antisemitism has no place in London. It is right that the Met Police are investigating these horrendous series of incidents and doing everything they can to reassure the local community.”
CST described the desecrations as “utterly abhorrent and deeply distressing” and urged anyone with information to come forward. “CST is working closely with police and communal partners to support victims and help identify and apprehend the perpetrator,” a spokesperson said.
Police have appealed to the public to study the released CCTV footage of a man wanted in connection with the desecrations. Officers are urging anyone who recognises him to call 101 quoting 1071/03SEP, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
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