Swastikas Drawn On Cars' License Plates In Woodbridge: Police

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Five different cars in Woodbridge were vandalized with swastikas, according to the Prince William County Police Department. The vandalism was reported to police on Monday, and detectives are now investigating.

In a news release on Wednesday, authorities said the vandalism occurred between Saturday, June 26 and Monday, June 28. In their investigation, officers determined that five vehicles were vandalized around the 5200 block of Aetna Springs Road.

"The license plates of the vehicles were drawn on with marker and included swastika symbols and inappropriate language," the Prince William County Police Department wrote in their daily incident report. "The words did not contain any threats and did not appear to target anyone specific in the neighborhood."

The police department said that the markings did not cause any permanent damage on the vehicles. The markings were removed.

Detectives in charge of the incident said they are "investigating all possible motives as the investigation continues."

The vandalism is the second antisemitic incident in Woodbridge in a week. On Tuesday, June 22, someone called the Jewish Temple of Congregation Ner Shalom and left threats on their voicemail.

Read more: Woodbridge Jewish Temple Threatened With Violence: Police

The temple is Prince William County's only synagogue. "The investigation revealed that a message was left on the temple's voicemail including inappropriate language and threats of violence," the police department said in a report.

"As individuals many of us have heard in person and seen over social media the increase in antisemitic comments," said Jillian Perry, the temple's vice president of membership. "Luckily we live in a great community with a lot of support from our interfaith brothers and sisters."

In May, the Anti-Defamation League said they recorded a 63 percent jump in antisemitic incidents across the country. "As Jews nationwide, we have all seen a rise in antisemitism," Perry said.

Anyone with information about the vandalism or phone threats is encouraged to contact the Prince William County Police Department's tipline at 703-792-7000. Tips can also be submitted online.