Swastikas painted at synagogue in Woodland Hills

Swastikas and other graffiti were found on Temple Aliyah in Woodland Hills earlier this week, and authorities are investigating the actions as a hate crime, it was reported Thursday.

The vandalism, which also included the writing of a gang name and a profane drawing, occurred between late Sunday evening and early Monday morning on a sign near the street and on a guard shack at the entrance of the synagogue, the Daily News reported.

“It’s a symbol normally used for hate purposes placed on a Jewish temple,” LAPD Det. Nick Abbinanti told the newspaper. Authorities said they have no suspect information, but that they did find similar tagging in the area about three to four miles away, on an alley wall in the West Hills area.

In a statement, Temple Aliyah officials said the guard shack was “desecrated with tagging that included swastikas.”

“We immediately contacted the LAPD ... and before parents and children could arrive for school, our security team inspected the synagogue grounds to ensure the safety of our children,” the statement said. “The offensive symbols and other taggings have already been removed.”