Durham Police investigators are appealing to the public for assistance in finding those responsible for damaging a pickleball court with racist graffiti in Clarington.
On Sunday, August 11, members of East Division responded to a property damage/hate motivated call at the Diane Hamre Recreational Complex, located at 1780 Rudell Road in Newcastle, Clarington. Officers arrived on scene and observed racist language written on the complex’s pickleball court, said a police report.
Investigators are appealing for anyone in the area who may have seen anything suspicious to call police.
Anyone with cell phone, dashcam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Suthers of East Division at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1641.
Whitby Antisemitc Vandalism
The Clarington incident follows Whitby (see related story below) where on Friday, August 9 at about 10 pm, members from Central West Division were called to Prince of Wales Park, located at 250 Prince of Wales Drive, following reports of damage to the soccer field. Officers arrived and located a partially drawn anti-Semitic symbol which had been burned into the grass. A blue container was left behind in the field.
Police have identified the product used in this incident and are appealing to witnesses for information.
Investigators have determined this blue container (image below) is a Swish Brite product which contained 12% sodium hypochlorite (typically used as a powerful industrial cleaner or pH balancer). Police are requesting any residents who normally use this product to check and see if this item is missing or has been stolen from their property.
Anyone with cellphone, dashcam, surveillance footage or information about this incident is asked to contact D/Cst. Trafford or D/Cst. Roffey of Central West Criminal Investigation Branch at 1-888-579-1520 ext. 1877 or 1831.
DRPS works with its Diversity Advisory Committee (DAC) to address challenges impacting the diverse communities of the Durham Region. The citizens appointed to the committee serve as a consultative and advisory body to the Office of the Chief of Police.
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