EAST BRUNSWICK — Unknown suspects caused damage and wrote racially charged graffiti on the grounds of the Middlesex County 4-H Center, Cranbury Road, on Friday.
Police responded to the 4-H center, located on the Middlesex County Fairgrounds, on the report of vandalism. An investigation determined that sometime during the overnight hours of Thursday night or Friday morning, a suspect or suspects defaced several of the 4-H signs that were used to advertise the organization’s Halloween haunted house attraction.
In addition to the graffiti, several other plywood signs were broken, and Halloween decorations used in the haunted house were damaged.
Middlesex County 4-H agent Laura Bovitz said the volunteers were able to repair some of the damaged materials, but will have to replace others for next year’s Halloween events, which are a community service project for local teenagers. She said the haunted house will continue to be open as scheduled, despite the damage.
“It really is [unfortunate] because the teens who are working with us spent a month and a half setting this up,” Bovitz said.
Police said the graffiti included anti-Semitic bias and race-related symbols and words.
East Brunswick Police Detective Marty O’Neill is coordinating the investigation. Anyonewith information is asked to call 732-390- 6990.