The Town of Tecumseh is the latest target of racist and offensive graffiti.
Town officials are looking for witnesses to the most recent anti-semitic graffiti at Lacasse Park that happened sometime between 4:30 p.m. Monday and the overnight hours. The Lacasse Park graffiti was found on benches and the walls of the park's facilities. The swastika markings are similar to those found on Little River Trail in east Windsor this weekend.
Municipal officials said there have been several incidents of shocking graffiti throughout the town over the last month. The town and the Ontario Provincial Police are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity or has knowledge of the incidents to call 911 to report vandalism and hate crimes.
"We have zero tolerance for this disgusting behaviour and it needs to stop,” said Mayor Gary McNamara. “Not only is this a cost to taxpayers to clean and repair damaged property, but it is offensive."
The mayor added that Tecumseh is an inclusive community and there is no room for this type of hate.
"I urge residents to be vigilant in this and speak up if they know any details," he added. "I also ask our local businesses to watch for suspicious purchases of spray paint in red and black to report this to officials.”
Other incidents of graffiti over the last month have occurred at Southfield Park, A.V. Graham School, behind Pita Mania, at several pump stations, and on private property.
“This is not limited to the Tecumseh community,” said OPP Media Relations Officer Jim Root. “Our municipal neighbours have experienced similar graffiti and we believe it to be the same individual or group of individuals."
Root asked neighbours to look out for their communities, parents to talk to their children, and store owners to be attentive to paint purchases.
"These incidents are currently under investigation by the OPP and charges will be laid against the individual(s) responsible," Root said.
Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), or contact www.catchcrooks.com.
