Durham Regional Police have arrested a father and son in connection with two separate hate-motivated incidents in Clarington, following the execution of a search warrant at a home in Orono.
The first incident occurred on Thursday, January 30, around 5:25 pm. Police say an unknown male was seen on security cameras placing antisemitic pamphlets in various locations inside the Canadian Tire at 2000 Green Road in Bowmanville. Store staff found the pamphlets and handed them over to investigators.
On Saturday, May 24, at about 10:30 pm, officers responded to reports of vandalism at a mosque located at 111 Church Street North in Orono. Police received information that several vehicles and the front door of the mosque had been damaged.
As part of the investigation, members of East Division’s Criminal Investigations Branch and the DRPS Hate Crime Unit executed two Criminal Code search warrants at a residence in Orono on June 9. Two individuals were arrested without incident, and several items were seized from the home.
A 34-year-old male from Clarington and a 14-year-old male, also from Clarington, were both charged and released on an undertaking.
In a statement, police acknowledged the impact these incidents have had on the community, particularly within the Jewish and Muslim populations. “Acts that target or instill fear in any group are unacceptable and are taken very seriously,” police stated. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety, dignity, and well-being of everyone in our community.”
Police added that while “hate crime” is not a specific standalone offence under the Criminal Code of Canada, there are provisions for hate to be considered an aggravating factor during sentencing. Consultations with the Crown Attorney’s Office are underway to determine whether hate played a role in these cases.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the East Division Criminal Investigations Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1600.
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