CARMEL- With the upcoming holy days, members of the Putnam Sheriff’s Department and State Police, along with Carmel and Kent Police, have increased patrols at houses of worship and religious gatherings due to the unrest in the Middle East.

Carmel Police have been observed in recent days at Temple Beth Shalom in Mahopac and Putnam Chabad in the hamlet of Carmel along with Sheriff’s Department personnel.

Carmel Police Department Chief Anthony Hoffmann said no direct threats had been reported: “This is simply an increased level of awareness.”

Sheriff Brian Hess said deputies have been making extra inspections of all houses of worship since the war began.

Hess added: “All law enforcement agencies within ‘Counter- Terrorism Zone 3’ – which comprises Putnam and Westchester – are participating in Operation Safeguard, which includes an increased police presence around religious institutions and mass gatherings for religious observances. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to their local police department.”

Police are also monitoring social media and reviewing intelligence information provided by federal and state agencies about any potential threats to Putnam and Westchester or their religious institutions.