Niagara police are investigating after the sides of a vehicle were spray painted with hate symbols and its windows were allegedly intentionally broken over the weekend. The incident happened on Saturday on Oakdale Avenue, in the city of St. Catharines. The vehicle in question is a 2011 grey Volkswagen Passat. It has now been seized for an examination by Niagara Regional Police Service’s (NRPS) Forensic Services Unit. Police say they are also aware of a social media post that is circulating regarding this incident. That is currently being reviewed as part of the investigation, they said. The 1 District Criminal Investigations Bureau has now taken carriage of the investigation and is probing what occurred as a hate-motivated crime. The service’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit has also been made aware of the incident and will be engaged with the victim, say police. Anyone with further information is asked to contact NRPS at 905-688-4111, option 3, ext. 1009728, or 289-248-1058 to report a tip anonymously.
