Vandals spray-paint anti-Semitic graffiti on wall of Irvine synagogue

IRVINE, Calif. (KABC) -- An Irvine synagogue was attacked by vandals, who spray-painted anti-Semitic graffiti on a wall.

Irvine police officers were called to Beth Jacob Synagogue on Wednesday. Responding officers found anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on an exterior wall.

The message was quickly painted over.

Surveillance video captures the suspect vandalizing the property and stealing a bicycle, police said. Upon preliminary investigation, police believe the vandalism occurred during the early morning hours of the day.

Detectives are investigating this crime and asking the public to report any suspicious activity by calling police dispatch at (949) 724-7200.

The Irvine Police Department have increased patrols at Jewish facilities in the city.

This incident comes just days after the massacre at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, where 11 people were killed and six were wounded on Saturday.

Robert Bowers, a 46-year-old truck driver, has been charged in a 44-count indictment with murder, hate crimes and other offenses in the Pittsburgh shooting that could bring the death penalty.