Chatham-Kent Police are investigating hateful messages written on picnic tables in Dresden.
The tables at Stranak Park on Brown Street, which were painted in preparation for last month’s Dresden Night Market, were defaced with derogatory messages directed towards the LGBTQ2S+ community.
It’s believed the vandalism took place sometime between 3:30pm and 7:30pm on Sunday, August 21st. Police were notified the following day.
Authorities say the nature of the messages means the case is being handled as a hate-motivated incident.
Anyone in the area with surveillance cameras is asked to check their footage for possible evidence.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Constable Doug Littlewood at douglasl@chatham-kent.ca. Anonymous callers may call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477.)
Although the messages have since been removed, police officials say they understand incidents like this have far reaching victimization impacts on community members and we can assist by connecting people with the proper resources through the Chatham-Kent Victim Services, at (519) 436-6630.