Police are investigating after vandals allegedly defaced playgrounds with hate-motivated graffiti in Clarington over the weekend.
Durham Regional Police said officers were called to Stuart Park, located at 58 Stuart Rd., around 4:15 p.m. on March 1 after reports of vandalism.
Upon arrival, they discovered swastikas and other hateful imagery spray-painted on playground equipment, including a slide. Profane language were also found.
This incident marked the latest in a string of similar occurrences across the Durham region.
For example, Durham Regional Police are investigating a similar incident after people shouted racial slurs, someone drew a swastika, and another person exposed themselves during a virtual meeting held by the City of Pickering last week.
When asked about the incident, a city spokesperson reportedly offered no comment “so as not to risk prejudicing the investigation.”
In yet another similar incident, on Jan. 27 officers were called to the Central Whitby Library after staff located two more swastikas etched into the washroom.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the playground swastikas, along with the other incidents, and urge anyone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information about these incidents is encouraged to contact Cst. Bandstra of the Central West Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 at ext. 1805.
The incident adds to growing concerns about the rising presence of Nazi symbols in acts of vandalism throughout the region.