Police looking for suspects who have displayed hate-motivated messages.

Crime 100By Staff

June 5th, 2019

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Police are seeking public assistance to identify the persons responsible for displaying hate-motivated messages at six locations in the City of Burlington since May 21, 2019.

The first known incident occurred on May 21, 2019 near Dundas Street and Guelph Line, and involved a note being left on a private vehicle that included a hate-motivated racist message.

The second incident occurred on May 23, 2019 and involved an Anti-Semitic poster that was placed on a traffic post.
The next incident occurred on May 26, 2019 when hate propaganda was placed on a number of vehicles in the parking lot of a church near Mainway and Walkers Line.

Hate crime suspects

Suspects approach the doors of Burlington’s city hall.

On May 30, 2019, a complainant reported to police that an Anti-Semitic message was written on their vehicle in marker.

Some time between June 1 and June 2, 2019, Anti-Semitic imagery was found posted on the front doors of the Burlington Art Gallery.
In the most recent known incident, Anti-Semitic imagery was found posted on the front doors of Burlington City Hall on the morning of June 2, 2019.

The Halton Regional Police Service condemns any/all such incidents that impact or erode the community’s sense of safety and well-being.

“Hate crime has no place in any community, and I am confident that the persons responsible behind these ignorant, cowardly and hateful acts will be quickly identified with the public’s assistance.

“No one has the right to make another person feel fearful because of the colour of their skin, race, religion, ethnic origin or any other factor. The Halton Regional Police Service is committed to fully investigating these crimes and ensuring those responsible are brought to justice,” said Deputy Chief Nishan Duraiappah.

The HRPS is investigating these offences as hate crimes that willfully promote hatred. We are appealing to the public to come forward with any information that would assist us in determining the persons responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact investigators at 905-825-4777 ext. 2315 or ext. 2316 or the on-duty 3 District Staff Sergeant at 905-825-4777 ext. 2310.

Tips can also be submitted to Crime Stoppers “See Something? Hear Something? Know Something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.

Mayor Meed Ward issued a Statement earlier today saying: “On behalf of the City of Burlington and Burlington City Council, I join Halton Police in condemning all incidents where this type of despicable behavior takes place. Hate absolutely has no place anywhere in our city. Burlington is a place that embraces and celebrates diversity, acceptance and respect.”

The Honourable Karina Gould, Minister for Democratic Institutions and Member of Parlimenrt for Burlington said:  “These crimes displayed hate-motivated and anti-Semitic messages around the City, including at City Hall.

“These types of acts are unacceptable and there is no place for hatred or violence in our community. No one in our community should feel discriminated against because of their faith. Burlington is a place that celebrates our diversity. We are a tolerant and accepting city where everyone should feel welcome.

“In a world where hate and racism continues to rise, we must respect each other, and embrace each other’s differences. Our diversity is our strength. We must continue to fight against discrimination of all kinds and we must stand up against hatred in all of its forms.”

 

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2 comments to Police looking for suspects who have displayed hate-motivated messages.

  • Alide Camilleri

    These punks are cowards. They cover their faces and hide who they are. It is hoped that sooner rather than later they are caught and punished to the fullest measure of the law. There can be no forgiveness for hatred, bigotry, and religious intolerance.

  • Penny Hersh

    Anti-Semitism is alive and well in Burlington. My grandchildren have had to deal with this in the public school system for a few years now. Yes, in Burlington. One goes to Renaissance and the other to Burlington Central High School.

    These are students some as young as 10 spewing this hatred. Where they learn it is not the question that needs to be addressed. Public School Boards should be discussing racism. Burlington and Hamilton have one of the highest reports of anti-semitic incidents in Ontario.

    As we celebrate the 75th Anniversary of D Day – what have we learned? They say that” history repeats itself”, what I think is more accurate is that ” we repeat history”.

    What is happening is shameful, no matter what religion you practice.