St. Catharines neighbourhood targeted in hate-related vandalism spree: Niagara Police

Officers from the Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) are investigating a series of hate-related incidents of vandalism in St. Catharines.

According to police, on Sunday (June 12), officers were called to a home on George Street near Catherine Street that had been spray-painted with homophobic and racial slurs and images.

Further investigation found vehicles and buildings in the area were also targeted.

The exterior of Harriet Tubman School, located at 84 Henry Street, had also been vandalized as well as a statue honouring Tubman, an American abolitionist and activist.

In total, police said they found 13 incidents of damage to property in the investigation with collective damages estimated at well over $5,000. The damaged property includes:

2 – School buses
6- Passenger vehicles
3- Residential homes
1- Business
1- Elementary school (statue, sign, school exterior)

Detectives determined that the vandalism at Harriet Tubman school happened shortly before 10 p.m. on Saturday (June 11) and footage of two unknown suspects has been obtained.

The first suspect is described as:

• Male, medium build, wearing light coloured pants, light coloured sweater, baseball hat, and black Nike shoes (used his left hand).

The second suspect is described as:

• Male, thin build, wearing a striped hooded sweater, pants, light coloured shoes, and a flat brimmed baseball hat

Police said the suspects are believed to have travelled in the area on foot or by bicycle and they were on George Street, Catherine Street, Albert Street, Henry Street, and Louisa Street.

Residents and businesses in the area with closed-circuit security cameras, doorbell video cameras, or dash cameras are asked to review footage for any suspicious activity for the period between June 11, 2022, 9:00pm and 1:00am on June 12, 2022.

The investigation has been assigned to detectives from the 1 District detective office. They are being assisted by officers from the NRPS Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Unit. Anyone with information is asked to call 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009482.

Members of the public who wish to provide information anonymously can contact Crime Stoppers of Niagara online or by calling 1-800-222-8477.