Franklin Police report investigations underway on 2 incidents of Vandalism / Hate Crimes

FPD report investigations underway

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025 the Franklin Police Department was notified of a vandalized sign at the Temple Etz Chaim located at 900 Washington Street. Red paint had been applied to a small “We Stand With Israel” yard sign. The red paint was also applied to a light and solar panel which illuminated the temple’s sign and the solar panel was partially torn from its mounting bracket. It is believed that this vandalism may have occurred between 8:30 PM on Tuesday, April 1st and 8:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd.

On Wednesday, April 2nd the Franklin Police Department was also notified of a second vandalism incident located near the sidewalk of 43 East Central St. where a swastika symbol was spray painted on the ground in black spray paint. It is believed this occurred between 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 1st to 6:00 AM on Wednesday, April 2nd.

The Franklin Police Department is investigating both incidents. There is no evidence at this time to suggest that these incidents are related but that possibility is not being ruled out. The Franklin Police Department is asking anyone who may have any information regarding these incidents or may have seen something during these times to contact Detective Jack Flynn at 508- 440-2720 or jflynn@franklinma.gov.

Reporting by Walking Around: vandalism visible & great courtesy signal reminder

Be aware, in addition to some vandalism on the downtown decorations, there also appears to be a ladybug 'eater' on the loose. 

We need to do better folks. This is our place, let's take care of it.

vandalism visible - ladybug kicked and damaged

 Great message! Thanks Franklin Police Dept...

"Turn signals, the original instant message"

There were originally shared via Instagram as I walked about town.  https://www.instagram.com/franklinmatters.ma/

If the holiday view at the downtown triangle looks in disarray, it was vandalized

Unfortunately, after many volunteers decorated downtown Franklin on the weekend before Thanksgiving, some folks apparently thought of other things to do with the decorations (aside from leaving them alone!).

A report was filed with the Franklin Police the week of Dec 6, 2021:

• multiple bows on the Rome side bridge were taken

• greens and bows on the train side bridge were pulled out

• one wreath on the train side bridge is missing

• the red candy cane on the sleigh was removed

• gift boxes previously stacked in the sleigh were thrown over the fencing to the tracks below

Franklin Police responded to the report, took photos to add to the report, and will step up patrols.

 

If anyone knows of, or saw the vandal(s) in action, please let Franklin Police know. They can take tips at their tip line -> 508-440-2780.

The red candy cane and gift boxes missing from the sleigh

One wreath and bows missing from the decorations along the railing

St Mary's update - good news, bad news

Dear Parishioners and friends of Saint Mary Parish, 

Some weeks it is a delight to write a letter to all of you because the letter’s content is all good news. Unfortunately this week I have two disappointing stories to tell you about in our Town and Parish. I also have good news too, but I must begin with the bad news.  

We are all now well aware of the anti-Semitic graffiti which was drawn in the boys’ bathroom in our Town high school.  I applaud our Superintendent, the Principal and the School Administration, the Educators and Staff of our high school who have taken a loud and public stand against this act. Anti-Semitism is learned behavior and is an evil. It usually starts small and grows and grows. That is why it is best to strongly condemn this act right now. The student(s) who were involved in this and all of the other students of our school now have an opportunity to learn about bias, ignorance and prejudice. Perhaps even the adult community can reflect upon these issues in our lives and the example we offer our young people in our daily lives. Our Town community seeks to be a good and safe community and in many ways this goal is achieved. There is, however, always the work that must be done to keep our community a wonderful and welcoming town which means bias, prejudice and hate must be rooted out when they are small and start to show in our Town and lives. 

Last Thursday afternoon, approximately 8 days ago, someone(s) broke into our school building in the late afternoon and vandalized the inside. Tens of thousands of dollars of damage was done by the intruders(s). Clearly this marks a sad event for our Parish and also our Town. The vandalism was malicious in nature. Our Police Department has responded and is now investigating all of this. Clearly the malicious nature and the extent of damage make this a serious crime. Because of some of the vandalism and damage, our Fire Department also responded; the fire alarm were triggered by some of the vandalism.  We are blessed to have such dedicated and caring emergency personnel in Police and Fire Departments. I thank them on behalf of all of us for their special help.

Continue reading the update from St Mary's on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/1441147276190269/posts/2640699579568360/

St Mary's update - good news, bad news

"vandalism on Southgate Road was not reported to them"

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

"New graffiti made its way onto at least three stop signs Saturday night according to neighbors, and one of the signs along with the pole is completely missing. 

At three intersections on Southgate Road, three letters or numbers in green spray paint are tagged onto stop signs. The pole that’s missing was the recently replaced intersection sign between Parliament Drive and Southgate Road. 

The culprit could face serious fines for the defacing of public property and possible jail time for the stolen sign. There are also serious safety concerns associated with a missing stop sign, agreed pedestrians and neighbors in the area. If an accident were to occur, the person responsible for removing the sign could face additional charges, according to Massachusetts State Law. 

New signs on the road had recently been completed, apart from some cement work at the base of the poles. As of Tuesday afternoon, the sign had not yet been replaced and the graffiti remained unwashed."

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20180227/franklin-stop-signs-vandalized-stolen

In local TV - vandalism at Franklin Landing

Two TV stations, one from Boston, one from Providence are covering the tire slashing incident Friday night at the Franklin Landing apartment complex on Union St.

ABC Channel 6 - Providence

ABC Channel 5 - Boston

Video is available on both links

In the News - vandal, car thiefs, DCU

Cops say kids trespassing at site

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff

Police arrested two teenage boys Wednesday night after a passerby saw them trespassing on a construction site on Summer Street. The boys, ages 16 and 14, were arrested just before 9 p.m. Both face charges of trespassing, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace, Deputy Chief Stephan Semerjian said.

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Rash of car break-ins prompts warning

By Joyce Kelly/Daily News staff

Responding to several dozen reported car break-ins recently, including 11 Wednesday night, Deputy Police Chief Stephan H. Semerjian is warning residents to lock their cars and secure valuables like GPS devices and laptop computers. Downtown residents have been reporting the break-ins for the past five weeks, Semerjian said.

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DCU expands

By Aaron Wasserman/Daily News staff

Digital Federal Credit Union expects to open in Franklin later this month, its first branch in the Milford area and Norfolk County. Tim Garner, the credit union's vice president of marketing and strategic planning, said this week the company has been scouting several locations along Interstate 495 for new branches and this is the first to materialize. It has been working on the project for nearly two years.

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