RCMP investigating hate-motivated vandalism in South Okanagan

Summerland RCMP are investigating two incidents yesterday involving what appears to be hate motivated vandalism.

Residents on Hespler Road called police yesterday, July 13, at around 10:30 p.m. after overhearing a window in their home being smashed with a rock, according to an RCMP media release.

Further inspection revealed spray painted vandalism on the house consisting of swastika symbols and other imagery and phrases. Officers searched the area for suspects and evidence. No witnesses have been identified to the mischief. No one was physically harmed in the incident.

In the second incident, Summerland municipal employees found similar graffiti on the town’s memorial band shell stage.

“This kind of hate motivated vandalism is not often seen in the close knit community of Summerland," Summerland RCMP commander Sgt. David Preston said in the release. "We understand this kind of vandalism can be disturbing to many, and the Summerland RCMP is taking this very seriously. At this time, there’s nothing to indicate a concern for public safety."

The RCMP's hate crime team has been notified about the incidents.

Anyone with information about either incident are asked to call Summerland RCMP at 250-494-7416, or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.

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