Police hunting for masked serial graffiti attacker
Victoria Police is searching for an unknown man who has spray-painted hateful and offensive graffiti on the outside walls of the Toorak Road synagogue on at least five occasions between March and late July.
Detectives from the Melbourne Crime Investigation Unit of Victoria Police are investigating multiple incidents of criminal damage to a Melbourne Hebrew Congregation.
The perpetrator arrived at each incident alone on a black e-scooter. Detectives have released video footage of the suspect. He appears to be a bald Caucasian of medium build.
His clothing is different in each incident, but he usually wears a long black jacket with black and white face covering. During the incidents in July, the perpetrator had a mask covering his face like from the movie “Scream”.
Victoria Police said, “There is absolutely no place at all in our society for hate-based behaviour.”
Synagogues across Melbourne have been a particular target of hate since Hamas’ outrageous attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. This has included the destruction of the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea in December and the firebombing of the East Melbourne Hebrew Congregation front doors in July.
David Southwick, Member for Caulfield said, “We’ve seen synagogues firebombed and desecrated, vile attacks on Jewish Victorians, and our city hijacked by pro-Hamas extremists for 93 weeks yet nothing from this government. The silence is shameful.”
“Every Victorian has a right to feel safe in their place of worship. That’s non-negotiable. We must protect that freedom. These masked cowards creep around in the dead of night to spread fear. That’s not free speech. It’s criminal, it’s hate speech, and it must be treated as such.”
“Since October 7, not a single person has been charged in connection with antisemitic attacks on the Jewish community. That is a disgrace. This is now a test of leadership for Premier Allan there must be consequences.”
Giovanni Laulu, aged 21, was the first person directly charged over the alleged Adass arson attack and he appeared in court on Thursday.
In relation to the East Melbourne attack, Angelo Loras, aged 34 from NSW, has been charged with reckless conduct endangering life, criminal damage by fire and possession of a controlled weapon.
Police call on anyone who witnessed the incidents, with CCTV/dashcam footage or with information that might assist police to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Get J-WIRE on WhatsApp
