Rural upstate NY synagogue vandalized for second time in five years

By: AP Wire Service

NORWICH, N.Y. (AP) - The FBI and state police are investigating extensive vandalism at the Norwich Jewish Center as a hate crime.

Police say the entire interior of the large three-story brick building was vandalized. The crime was discovered by members of the synagogue and reported to police as a burglary Wednesday afternoon.

Norwich Police Chief Joseph Angelino says anti-Semitic graffiti was found inside the building but he would not elaborate on the message. Damage is estimated in the tens of thousands of dollars.

The center was also the target of a hate crime in 2003.