FRANKLIN — The Franklin Police Department is investigating two separate incidents of vandalism, including one at a local temple that may constitute a hate crime.
Police were notified Wednesday, April 2 that a “We Stand With Israel” yard sign at Temple Etz Chaim on Washington Street had been defaced with red paint.
The same red paint was applied to a light and solar panel that illuminated the temple’s sign, and the solar panel was partially torn from its mounting bracket.
Authorities believe the vandalism occurred between 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 1 and 8 a.m. Wednesday, April 2.
In a separate incident reported the same day, police discovered a swastika symbol spray-painted in black on the ground near the sidewalk at 43 East Central St.
This second act of vandalism is believed to have occurred between 8 p.m. Tuesday and 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Police said there is currently no evidence linking the two incidents, but investigators are not ruling out a connection.
The Franklin Police Department is asking anyone with information about either incident to contact Detective Jack Flynn at 508-440-2720 or jflynn@franklinma.gov.
