Hate crimes under investigation in southern Alberta town

Brooks RCMP are investigating multiple incidents of racist graffiti popping up around the city. There have been nine reported cases since Oct. 1.

Authorities are investigating multiple incidents of hateful messaging in a southern Alberta town in the past two months.

Brooks RCMP say between Oct. 1 and Nov. 26, white supremacist/anti-immigrant graffiti was found on several city-owned properties.

Uplands Elementary, the median of Cassels Road, the bathroom at Lake Stafford Park, the bathroom at Duke of Sutherland Park and the back of a street sign on Sutherland Drive were all hit, police said.

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City officials have also found stickers and decals promoting the White Lives Matter movement at several locations, usually on traffic signs.

Police say the stickers have elicited complaints from the public and it costs the city to remove them.

“Brooks RCMP strongly encourages anyone who witnesses or experiences hate motivated crime to report it. These acts targets individuals and communities, and they have no place in our city,” police said in a news release.

“We take every report seriously, and our officers will conduct thorough investigations to ensure accountability and support those affected. Your information helps us protect the community, prevent further incidents, and harm, and stand against hate in all its forms.”

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Anyone with information about these crimes or who knows anything about the people responsible is asked to contact Brooks RCMP at 403-794-4400.

Anonymous tips can also be forwarded to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app.