UPDATE: Burnaby high school hit with swastika graffiti
Burnaby RCMP are investigating after Byrne Creek secondary was targeted with graffiti swastikas recently.
The vandalism, Nazi swastikas spraypainted on windows and pavement, took place in the early morning of June 15 at the high school. Burnaby Mounties determined the graffiti involved hate symbols and several persons of interest have been identified.
The Burnaby detachment contacted the BC Hate Crime Team to assist in the investigation.
Burnaby school board chair Larry Hayes said the culprits "certainly made every effort not to get caught," so was pleased to hear police have some leads.
The graffiti was cleaned up right away, he said. "A lot of people, even in the area, didn't know it happened.
"The district does want to get on top of those things right away, not just for unsightliness but especially this one with the graphic nature of the message, looks like somebody wants to send. You don't want copycats either."
The cleanup cost a few thousand dollars, Haye said. "A few thousand here and a few thousand there, all of a sudden becomes a hit to the budget."
"These incidents not only impact the community and the students at Byrne Creek secondary on an emotional level, but also have a significant financial burden on both the City of Burnaby and Burnaby School District 41," said Burnaby RCMP in a press release. "As such, the Burnaby RCMP and E Division Major Crime have committed a number of resources to this investigation as it is considered to be a high priority."
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Burnaby RCMP at 604-294-7922, the BC Hate Crime Team at 604-598-4243 and 604-543-4903 or CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
wchow@burnabynewsleader.com
twitter.com/WandaChow
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