During the overnight hours of June 9/10, 2017, unknown suspects spray-painted graffiti on a fence in the rear alley of a Port Elgin residence. The graffiti was intended to promote hatred toward an identifiable group of people and is being treated as a Hate Crime. Police have investigated and at this time no suspects have been identified.

From a Saugeen Shores Police media release, the promotion of hatred has a damaging effect on a community. It can turn neighbours against each other and can cause suspicion based solely on someone’s religion, ethnic origin, race, colour or sexual orientation.

The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects every Canadian’s right to be treated equally, regardless of these identifiable traits.

The Saugeen Shores Police are asking the community to refrain from accusations based on suspicion or bias. If you do, the criminals who committed this Mischief and Public Incitement of Hatred are succeeding in inciting hate.

If you have any information about this crime please contact the Saugeen Shores Police Service at 519-832-2500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.