Police are asking for the public’s help in investigating acts of homophobic vandalism at Palmer secondary’s new rainbow crosswalk.
The crosswalk, installed on Tuesday, Aug. 1 during Pride Week, was immediately defaced with homophobic comments and symbols written in black ink.
It was vandalized again over the B.C. Day long weekend.
A witness told the News that there were four incidents, but Richmond RCMP has only received reports of three incidents so far.
“The mischief is targeted towards the LGBTQIA2S+ community,” said Cpl. Adriana O’Malley, Richmond RCMP spokesperson.
O’Malley said the three incidents occurred as follows: between 4 p.m. on Aug. 1 to 7 a.m. on Aug. 2, between 10 p.m. on Aug. 2 to 7 a.m. on Aug. 3 and between 5 a.m. on Aug. 5 to 9 p.m. on Aug. 6.
No suspects have been identified for these acts of mischief, which police deemed to be “targeted towards the LGBTQIA2S+ community.”
Richmond RCMP’s Youth Section is investigating the incidents and it is conducting “proactive patrols in the area” along with front-line officers.
“The actions of these individuals are completely unacceptable. Our youth section is working collaboratively with the Richmond School District to identify the parties involved,” said Insp. Michael Cohee, officer in charge of Richmond RCMP’s Investigative Services.
Anyone who lives in the area around the 8100 block of St. Albans Road should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police.
