Chatham-Kent Police Service is looking for witnesses after offensive symbols and hateful words, including swastikas, were discovered on park equipment at McNaughton Avenue Public School in Chatham. 

In a news release, police say the department “takes these acts of vandalism and hate seriously, as they significantly impact the community and its residents.” 

Police “strongly urge the public to immediately report these types of vandalism to the respective property owners and the police.

“It is crucial that these incidents are reported promptly so that we can conduct an effective and efficient investigation and the graffiti can be cleaned up quickly to prevent any further negative impact on others,” says Sgt. Lynette Rosina. 

Anyone who sees hateful graffiti can report it using the Chatham-Kent Victim Services Hate Reporting confidential online support tool. T It is important to note that this reporting tool does not prompt a police investigation. Reporting Hate & Discrimination – Chatham-Kent Victim Services (ckvictimservices.com).

If you have information to assist with this investigation, please contact the investigating officer, Constable Hannah Roesch, hannahr@chatham-kent.ca or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).