22 Oct 2012

Third arrest after Jewish headstones vandalised

9:10 pm on 22 October 2012

A third person has been arrested in connection with the attack on several Jewish headstones at Auckland's oldest cemetery.

At least 20 headstones were damaged or defaced at the cemetery in Symonds Street last week.

Police have now charged three men, aged 23, 20 and 19, with wilful damage, but say more arrests are likely. The trio will appear in court on Tuesday.

Some of the damaged headstones were spray-painted with swastikas and anti-semitic slogans.

The Auckland Council says police are also investigating the defacing of a house in the suburb of Grey Lynn with Nazi emblems, and whether the two are connected.

Mayor Len Brown says the acts of racism against the Jewish community are deplorable and security at the Symonds Street cemetery has been increased.

Meanwhile, one of the men appeared in court on Monday on unrelated matters.

Nathan Symington, 23, unemployed, appeared in court on breach of bail conditions, relating to other charges. He was released on bail.