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Monday, 2 December, 2002, 07:50 GMT
Swastikas on graves prompt police action
police tape
Police patrols have been stepped up
Police have stepped up patrols around a Buckinghamshire cemetery after vandals painted red swastikas on Jewish gravestones.

The Jewish community has condemned the attack on 26 November at St Mary's Church in Whalley Drive, Bletchley, near Milton Keynes.

Inspector Phil Rogers, of Thames Valley police, said: "Police have been working alongside Milton Keynes council to improve security since the incident occurred."

Officers have visited the cemetery to collect evidence, but there have been no arrests.

'Unacceptable'

Barry Norman, the chair of Milton Keynes and District Reform Synagogue, said he was "horrified" by the vandals' actions.

He said: "Desecration of any graveyard is unacceptable and when swastikas are sprayed on Jewish graves it obviously touches a few nerves."

Inspector Rogers said the police will continue patrols in the area, but will "balance security concerns with access for people who want to visit the graves of loved ones".


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12 Sep 02 | England
30 Jun 02 | N Ireland
28 May 02 | N Ireland
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