Residents of Bnei Brak’s Shikun Hey neighborhood are expressing growing concern after a string of incidents involving a group of troubled youths culminated in a break-in and theft at a Gerer shtiebel on Friday night.

According to local residents, the group has been causing disturbances for several weeks in the area surrounding the neighborhood’s public garden, allegedly breaking into shuls during the nighttime hours and creating an atmosphere of fear among area residents.

The situation escalated significantly on Friday night when vandals reportedly broke into the Gerer shtiebel in the neighborhood. The intruders smashed windows, damaged the rear entrance door, and stole various items from inside the building.

Witnesses reported that the group returned to the area on Shabbos afternoon and allegedly made threats of violence, including threats to stab local residents.

In the wake of the incidents, the gabbaim of the shuls located near the public garden are urging members of the community to come forward with any information that may assist law enforcement.

Anyone who witnessed acts of vandalism, theft, threats, or other violent behavior is being asked to contact the police and provide any relevant evidence or testimony as soon as possible.

{Matzav.com}