HOBOKEN, N.J. (1010 WINS/WCBS 880) – The Hoboken Police Department released photos on Thursday of suspects wanted in relation to multiple thefts of an Israeli flag hanging at City Hall.
The flag was stolen three different times from outside Hoboken City Hall, where it is being flown in solidarity with Israel amid its war with Hamas.
Authorities said that at about 9:55 p.m. on Oct. 20, two men stopped in front of the municipal building, located at 94 Washington Street.
One man was directly in front of the flag post. Police believe he positioned himself there to be a look-out.
A second man, wearing a black hooded jacket, light jeans and a black face mask, climbed up onto the ledge and pulled down the Israeli flag.
The suspects fled the area in a black Lincoln SUV, officials said.
Another theft occurred on Nov. 27 at 3:40 p.m., when a man walked up to the flagpole, snatched the flag and ran off.
In the process of taking the flag down, police said the victim broke two carabiners that were securing the flag.
The final theft happened on Dec. 13 at 2:25 a.m., when a man ran toward the flagpole, climbed it and took down the flag before jumping to the ground, police said.
The suspect was wearing a white shirt, jeans and white shoes.
He was accompanied by another man, who was wearing a white hooded sweatshirt, jeans and white shoes.
The two men ran toward Newark and Washington Streets, and spotted a Hoboken Police patrol car nearby. At that point, they dropped the flag and ran, police said.
Police released photos of the suspects and the vehicles connected to the crimes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. John Quinones at 201-420-2100 ext. 3182 or Quinonesj@hobokenpdnj.gov.