Waldwick Police Investigating Serial Theft After New Route 17 Pride Display Cut Down

Targeted Vandalism: Waldwick’s Pride Flag Stolen and Defaced Twice in One Week

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Waldwick NJ, A disturbing pattern of vandalism has struck a Bergen County community, prompting local officials to issue a strong condemnation as police launch a formal investigation.

For the second time in mere days, a Pride flag displayed by the Borough of Waldwick, New Jersey, has been targeted, stolen, and defaced. Local leadership and residents are pushing back, stating that the actions do not reflect the “core values” of the town.

Here is what we know about the ongoing investigation and the history behind the town’s display.

A Timeline of the Incident: Back-to-Back Attacks

The first incident occurred early in the week of June 15, 2026. According to an official public message from Waldwick Mayor Tom Giordano, the town’s Pride flag—which had been securely hanging from a public fence near Route 17 and East Prospect Street since June 1—was cleanly cut down and stolen.

Local officials quickly condemned the theft and ordered a replacement flag to be raised immediately. However, the defiance from vandals only escalated.

The very next morning, Mayor Giordano announced that the newly installed replacement flag had already been vandalized overnight, forcing municipal workers to take it down.

“The Borough of Waldwick strongly condemns this act, which stands in direct opposition to our community’s values. This behavior is unacceptable and does not reflect who we are as a community.” — Mayor Tom Giordano

A third flag is scheduled to be relocated closer to the center of town, where foot traffic and public visibility are significantly higher.

Not the First Time: A History of Local Friction

Unfortunately, Waldwick has seen this exact scenario play out before. Public records indicate that back in June 2024, the borough’s Pride flag was stolen the exact same day it was erected. In that instance, the community’s outcry eventually led to the flag being returned.

The tradition of flying the flag in Waldwick dates back to 2019, following a heavily debated town council decision.

Initially, the council voted down a proposal to fly the LGBTQ+ flag at Borough Hall. However, following immense public pressure, passionate comments from residents, and direct advocacy from the Waldwick High School LGBTQ Club, the council reversed course. They compromised by approving a public display at the prominent intersection of East Prospect Street and Route 17—the very location targeted this week.

Police Launch Investigation: How You Can Help

The Waldwick Police Department is actively treating these repeated incidents as criminal acts of criminal mischief and vandalism.

Local authorities are asking business owners and residents near the intersection of Route 17 and East Prospect Street to review any dashcam or security footage captured overnight between June 14 and June 16.

Have Information? > If you have any relevant information or witnessed suspicious activity, please contact the Waldwick Police Department at 201-652-5700.

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