At least three suspects are being sought after vandalism to a vehicle in Vaughan yesterday that police believe was hate motivated.
Police were notified about damage to a vehicle parked at a residence in the southwest area of Glen Shields Avenue and Dufferin Street in Thornhill on Jan. 9, according to a York Regional Police news release. Officers learned that shortly after 3 a.m., at least three suspects in a dark-coloured Jeep Grand Cherokee drove through the neighbourhood before they parked in front of the victim’s house.
Two men got out of the passenger side, both wearing masks and gloves, while the driver remained in the vehicle.
The men went to the victim’s vehicle, which was adorned with decals of the Israeli flag, and used a tool to shatter its windows. The suspects then returned to the Jeep and drove away.
Video of the crime has been obtained and investigators are releasing it to the public in the hope that someone can provide information regarding the suspects. Click here to see the video.
Suspect one is described as male, wearing a mask, a dark hooded jacket, dark pants with a reflective stripe on the side and a satchel across his chest.
Suspect two is described as male, wearing a mask, a dark hooded jacket and dark pants with reflective material at the knee.
The Hate Crime Prevention Unit has been notified and a hate crime investigator is on the case, police said. Anyone who has information about this crime, or anyone with video recordings from the area around the time of the incident, is urged to contact police.
"York Regional Police takes these matters seriously and is reminding the community we will not tolerate any form of hate crime. All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents will be investigated thoroughly," police said.
Information about this incident can be provided by calling York Regional Police at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7441, or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1- 800-222-TIPS or provide a tip online at www.1800222tips.com.
