Six headstones vandalized at Jewish cemetery in Melrose
Melrose's mayor referred to the incident as a "potential hate crime."
Three males were witnessed kicking over six tombstones at Melrose’s Netherlands Cemetery early Thursday morning, according to a police release.
At 3:15 a.m., police were dispatched to the cemetery for a report of young males, likely teenagers, vandalizing tombstones. According to the department, the responding officers spoke to a witness, who said that he had seen three males knock over several headstones before fleeing the area.
The Netherlands Cemetery is the third-oldest Jewish cemetery in Massachusetts, with about 475 graves, police said. It was established in 1859.
“I am deeply saddened and outraged by this vandalism and potential hate crime,” Melrose Mayor Robert Dolan said in a statement. “Cemeteries are sacred grounds. Any malicious destruction is deeply saddening and must be given the full attention of law enforcement to bring the individuals responsible to account for this horrible act.”
Police have asked anyone with information to call the department at 781-665-1212 or submit a tip anonymously.
