JACKSON — Township police are investigating two separate cases involving vandalism, burglary and hateful messages as suspected bias crimes, authorities said.
One investigation centers on three incidents at the Chai Lifeline facility on County Line Road, where someone intentionally damaged windows, according to police. Investigators said the repeated targeting of the Jewish faith-based organization led authorities to classify the incidents as possible bias crimes.
The second case involves a break-in at the BMG facility on South Hope Chapel Road. Police said seven people entered the building without permission, caused significant damage and wrote antisemitic and anti-Black messages on classroom blackboards and elsewhere inside the school.
That incident is being investigated as a bias crime along with burglary, theft and criminal mischief offenses, police said.
Authorities said suspects have been identified in connection with the South Hope Chapel Road case. Police did not release their names or additional details, citing the continuing investigation.
The department said it has increased patrols near sensitive locations and in other areas of concern throughout the township.
Police condemned the incidents and said crimes motivated by hatred or prejudice can spread fear beyond the people and organizations directly targeted.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson Township Police Department. Residents are also encouraged to immediately report suspicious activity.
Anyone charged in connection with the incidents is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
