Durham police are investigating offensive graffiti that has been spray painted near an Islamic mosque in Pickering.
The offensive words and phrases painted in red letters on the sidewalk across the street from the Pickering Islamic Centre are about the Islamic faith, said Durham police.
“It’s certainly not a coincidence that this anti-Islam language is spray-painted near a place of faith,” said Dave Selby, a Durham police spokesperson, adding that the graffiti is “not a direct threat at any individual.”
Police said the graffiti was discovered on Wednesday evening by a couple walking in the area and believe that the offensive language was spray painted some time in the late afternoon or evening of that day.
“It’s offensive for us, and I’m sure it’s offensive for the community,” said Selby.
“It doesn’t matter what the faith is, whether it’s Christians or Jewish people, it doesn’t matter. It’s illegal and it’s offensive,” he added.
Durham police are currently reviewing footage from security cameras around the Islamic mosque and are asking the public’s assistance in identifying the culprits.
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