South-End Place of Worship Targeted Twice with Hate-Related Graffiti

Guelph Police are investigating after a south-end place of worship was defaced with hate-related graffiti on two occasions since the end of May. Police say both incidents remain under investigation and anyone with information is being asked to come forward.

The Guelph Police Service is investigating two recent incidents in which a south-end place of worship has been defaced with hate-related graffiti.

Since the end of May police have been called twice to a location near Gordon Street and College Avenue. It is not known if the two incidents are related. Both incidents are currently under investigation by members of the Guelph Police Service Hate Crime Investigative Unit.

We want to assure the public that we take all reported crime, including hate-motivated crime, very seriously. In all incidents, resources are utilized to ensure a thorough investigation is conducted. All of our officers receive training in hate-motivated criminal offences.

The Guelph Police Service is also a member of the Hate Crime and Extremism Investigative Team (HCEIT). The HCEIT is a network of 13 police services which co-ordinates intelligence gathering for police and provides specialized support on investigations into hate-motivated crimes.

Anyone with information about the recent incidents is asked to email HateCrimeInvestigativeGroup@guelphpolice.ca. Anonymous messages can also be left for Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.csgw.tips.