CAMBRIDGE – Waterloo Regional Police are investigating hate-motivated graffiti at the Islamic Centre of Cambridge.
Police report that Monday, at approximately 4 p.m., they received a report of graffiti at the centre on Dunbar Road.
The graffiti included hate-motivated symbols, namely swastikas.
The incident is believed to have occurred between 8 p.m. on Sunday and 4 p.m. Monday.
The investigation is ongoing by WRPS’ General Investigations Unit.
Islamic Centre chairperson Mohammad Darr said the centre has security cameras positioned around the gates but the area where the graffiti was spray painted is a blind spot.
"Someone is coming tomorrow and we'll cover that area too," he said.
Two pillars were marked at the exit gate with crude swastikas painted in black spray paint.
The incident has prompted the organization to consider closing the gates at its entrance and exit on International Village Drive when no one is there.
Darr said this is the first time the centre has experienced any type of hate motivated crime since its inception in 1989. The Islamic Centre has operated a school at the centre since 1992.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call police at 519-570-9777, extension 6370. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.waterloocrimestoppers.
