Ashdod police officers detained for questioning today (Monday) a Bnei Brak resident, in his 40s, suspected of stealing tefillin and mezuzahs from synagogues in several cities.
It is suspected that the man has been operating systematically in synagogues in Ashdod, Beit Shemesh, Modi'in Illit and Netivot over the past period - and has stolen mezuzahs and sacred objects worth tens of thousands of shekels.
According to a report on the Ashdods website, the suspect was located following a professional investigation conducted by Ashdod Police Department investigators, using technological means and various investigative actions. During the investigation, some of the stolen items were seized.
Ashdod Police Station Commander, Lt. Col. Ronen Amram, said: "The Israel Police views seriously any harm to religious institutions and the sense of security of the worshipping public. We will act decisively and with all the means at our disposal to locate suspects, bring them to justice, and ensure the safety of the public and its property.".
