Swastika vandalism spree leads to police investigations

The New Westminster Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect responsible for drawing swastikas on vehicles.

The first incident is believed to have occurred overnight on October 3^rd with the victim reporting he found a swastika drawn on his vehicle the following morning. The vehicle was parked in the 1100 block of Nanaimo Street. While investigating the vandalism, officers located an additional vehicle that had been vandalized.

The second incident was reported to police on October 6^th. A resident called police to say that he located a swastika drawn on his vehicle after parking it in the 1100 block of Nanaimo Street. Officers searched the area for CCTV footage and evidence.

“Seeing symbols of hate appear in our community is deeply disturbing,” stated Sergeant Andrew Leaver. “This kind of vandalism has no place in New Westminster. We take these incidents seriously and are working to find whoever is responsible.”

The New Westminster Police Department has an officer seconded to the Provincial Hate Crime Unit, and these incidents have been shared with this unit.