Two Borehamwood teenagers were arrested this week after swastika daubings were discovered in the area. 

The suspects, aged 18 and 16, were released on bail while police enquiries continue. 

Pictures of the graffiti shared on social media by Hertsmere borough councillor Jeremy Newmark appeared to show swastikas, stars of David and letters. 

Mr Newmark said there were about a dozen daubings on street furniture, garages, cars and walls. 

The graffiti was removed yesterday after police finished collecting evidence, he added. 

He condemned the “shocking act”, which came straight after Rosh Hashanah. 

“Thankfully, the tremendous response from local people, the council and the police ensured that instead of dividing a community, this has brought people together,” he added. 

The Community Security Trust confirmed it attended a site in Borehamwood after reports of swastika daubings. The charity also said additional non-antisemitic graffiti was found.

Police officers were called to Stapleton Road on Monday evening to reports of two men acting suspiciously near a van.

A spokesperson for Hertfordshire Constabulary said Wednesday officers “discovered the van had been broken into and a small fire had been started nearby.”

“Graffiti was also discovered on a number of garages and vehicles in the area,” the spokesperson added. 

The 18-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson, criminal damage to a vehicle, racially aggravated criminal damage, going equipped, interference with a motor vehicle and burglary (non-dwelling).

The 16-year-old was arrested on suspicion of arson, interference with a motor vehicle, criminal damage, burglary (non-dwelling) and racially aggravated criminal damage.