(05/30/06) LYNDHURST ? Police in Lyndhurst are searching for the vandals who defaced five Jewish headstones with anti-Semitic graffiti.

The incident occurred inside the New Mount Zion Cemetery on Orient Way and New York Avenue. According to police, the vandals used red spray paint to mark the headstones with swastikas and obscenities. In addition, police believe the cemetery vandalism and nearby incident in which 15 cars were hit with white spray paint may be related.

Investigators say the timing of the two incidents, plus the rarity of vandalism in the town, makes them think the same vandals are responsible. Police ask anyone with information on the crimes to call the Lyndhurst Police Department.