The New Westminster community is seeking help from the public to identify a suspect responsible for drawing swastikas on multiple vehicles over the past week.
According to the New Westminster Police Department, the first incident occurred on Oct. 3 when a vehicle parked on Nanaimo Street near 12th Street was found vandalized with a swastika. Subsequent investigations revealed that another nearby vehicle had also been targeted.
On Oct. 6, another resident reported finding a swastika drawn on their vehicle in the same vicinity where the previous incidents took place.
Despite extensive searches and reviewing security camera footage, law enforcement has been unable to apprehend a suspect in connection with the incidents.
Sgt. Andrew Leaver expressed deep concern, stating, “The appearance of hate symbols in our community is alarming. Such acts of vandalism are unacceptable in New Westminster. We are treating these incidents with the utmost seriousness and are committed to locating the individual responsible.”
The New Westminster Police Department has escalated the matter to the Provincial Hate Crime Unit for further investigation.