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www.oakvillebeaver.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Thursday, March 4, 2010 · 8 Graffiti dominates hate-related incidents By Tim Foran OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Three-quarters of the hate crimes and related incidents in the region last year were acts of graffiti, according to a report reviewed by Halton's police services board Thursday. The statistical summary prepared by Halton Regional Police states there were 32 hate-related occurrences in 2009, 24 of which were classified as "graffiti-related mischief." There were an average 36 such occurrences annually between 2004 and 2008. Police classified three of the 2009 occurrences, involving graffiti and a harassing telephone call, as hate crimes where a specific individual or group was targeted for their race, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender or disability. "We traditionally err on the side of caution. If it looks like a hate crime, then we categorize it that way," Halton's police chief Gary Crowell told the board. The other 29 occurrences were defined as hate-related incidents, which refer to any act "that expresses bias, prejudice, bigotry or contempt towards a vulnerable or disadvantaged community or its members," according to the report. Included in those incidents were three assaults that took place in Oakville, a number consistent with what police have seen in Halton in the last few years, the report states. "Neither these nor previous incidents indicate increased targeting of victim groups by organized hate groups," the report adds. "They continue to appear to be random acts of individuals." The report states police solved, or "cleared," the three assaults. However, the service did not have as much success with graffiti, with only one incident being cleared. "Clearances on these types of incident are difficult as most appear to be non-organized and random in nature," the report explains. In recent years, municipalities such as Oakville and Milton have undertaken graffiti eradication initiatives in which the municipality will attempt to remove offensive graffiti as soon as possible after being notified. Halton police have been working with community and faith leaders to encourage people to report incidents of hate-related crime, said Crowell. "Reporting crime helps break the cycle of violence and has the potential to help others from being victimized," states the service's Partnering Against Hate web page at www.hrps.on.ca/Diversity. CTION RODU K! P DWAY YOR BROA OM NEW ING T FR TOUR IREC D Mar 12 at 8 pm Mar 13 at 2 & 8 pm It's the decade that fashion forgot, but audiences love to revisit. If you love weddings and remember skinny ties, shoulder pads, and leg warmers you'll fall in love with the Broadway musical comedy, The Wedding Singer! Based on the hit movie starring Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore. Visit us online for info on our WORST BRIDESMAID DRESS CONTEST! R AND ORDE SAY "I DO" TS TODAY! E YOUR TICK 905.874.2800 www.rosetheatre.ca