Vandalism in Johnstone Park and Kentwood neighbourhoods is being investigated as a hate crime.
A caustic substance was smeared across vehicles, tires were slashed, and swastikas were spray painted on the street, mail boxes, fire hydrants and at least one vehicle in the north Red Deer neighbourhoods last week.
One house’s vinyl siding was tarnished with the words “Your Kind Will Die,” as well as a swastika spray painted in red.
“If there’s reference to ‘your kind,’ that’s definitely hate crime,” said Red Deer City RCMP Cpl. Kathe DeHeer on Monday.
She said the intent of a swastika is more difficult to determine as the symbol used for the Nazi Party also means anarchy.
The Alberta Hate Crimes Committee defines a hate crime as any criminal offence committed against a person or property that is motivated in whole or in part by the suspects’ hate, prejudice, or bias against an individual or identifiable group based on real or perceived race, national or ethnic origin, language, colour, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation, or any other similar factor.
Last week, the City of Red Deer recognized April 24 as Hate Crime Awareness Day.
DeHeer said police are always concerned about hate crime and are investigating.
“We’re looking for the public’s assistance in identifying anybody who may be responsible for these crimes. Partnership between the police and the community helps solve crime.”
She said the person or people who committed the crime may have swollen fingers or injuries to their hands from handling the corrosive substance.
Anyone with information is asked to call Red Deer City RCMP at 403-343-5575 or Crime Stoppers 4031-800-222-8477.
Unfortunately, the instances of vandalism-type crime increases as the weather gets warmer, DeHeer said.
szielinski@www.reddeeradvocate.com