Police Looking For Mahwah Eruv Vandals

MAHWAH, NJ — Police are looking for a man they say damaged part of the eruv in town Sunday and a woman who was with him.

It is the third time police said part of the eruv was damaged in town. Eruvs symbolically extend the private domain of Jewish households into public areas. Jewish households within an eruv are allowed to participate in activities that are normally banned on the Sabbath.

At about 7:25 p.m., police said the eruv on a utility pole at Airmont Avenue near Masonicus Road was broken and ripped off the pole, said Chief James Batelli.

Police said pictures of the incident show a white, middle-aged man with dark hair wearing a black shirt and blue jeans standing next to the pole, damaging the eruv, Batelli said.

A white, middle-aged woman with dark hair wearing black pants and a white or tan shirt was standing next to the man and possibly texting on her phone, the chief said.

A vehicle in the picture is a black 2017 Audi Q5 or Q7; the first three character of the license plate could possibly be W26, police said.

The incident, as with the other two involving eruv damage, is being investigated as a bias crime.

"It has become a clear pattern of attacks and damage to the eruv for what they represent," Batelli said. "Hate crimes send a corrupt message that some Americans deserve to be victimized solely because of who they are."

Anyone who has information about the incident or who could possibly identify the people involved is asked to call Detective Sgt. Kevin Hebert at 201-529-1000. Any information provided will remain confidential.

RELATED: Eruv Markers Vandalized, Mahwah Police Launch Bias Crime Investigation

RELATED: More Eruv Markers Vandalized, Mahwah Police Continuing Hate Crime Investigation

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Photo: The 2 individuals wanted in connection with damage that was done to part of the eruv on a utility pole at Airmont Avenue near Masonicus Road./Courtesy of Mahwah Police Department