The logo of the Saugeen Shores Police Service.
Saugeen Shores Police say they’re investigating a “hate-motivated” graffiti incident in Port Elgin.
Town Police say in a news release they received a report on January 28 about two incidents of mischief at the Lamont Sports Park and a nearby snowmobile trail route.
According to police, unknown perpetrators spray painted trail signs and markers. There were also signs and markers damaged and stolen from the trail, causing a safety concern for users.
Meanwhile, police say a utility building at the newly constructed Lamont Sports Park had “extensive damage” from spray paint.
“Several hate motivated homophobic and racial slurs were depicted on all sides of the building,” police say in a statement.
Saugeen Shores Police believe the graffiti incident occurred sometime between Jan. 21-23.
“Hate crimes are intended to cause harmful divisions in our community and emotional trauma to the victimized group. These actions are not acceptable on any level.”, says Saugeen Shores Chief of Police Kevin Zettel. “Our investigators will be following all available leads to identify those responsible.”
Investigators believe both incidents at the Lamont Sports Park and the nearby snowmobile trail are related.
Anyone with information to assist this investigation is asked to contact Saugeen Shores Police at 519-832-9200 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.