Winnipeg Police urge residents not to swiftly erase racist or antisemitic graffiti, as doing so hinders investigations. Insp. Jennifer McKinnon emphasized the importance of reporting such incidents to enable law enforcement to take action. A surge in hate crimes against Jews and antisemitism has been observed in Canada, including Winnipeg, following the deadly Oct. 7 attacks in Israel. Multiple instances of antisemitic graffiti, including swastikas, were reported in Winnipeg’s Charleswood area between Sept. 28 and Dec. 31, 2024. A 19-year-old suspect was charged in connection with these incidents.
McKinnon highlighted the challenge of quantifying the increase in antisemitic graffiti due to underreporting and immediate cover-ups. She urged residents to report any racist or antisemitic graffiti promptly and advised against immediate removal to allow police investigation. Documenting the graffiti through photographs was recommended to aid investigations.
Graffiti is considered a criminal offense, and McKinnon stressed the seriousness with which the Winnipeg Police Service handles such cases. Bernie Farber of the Canadian Anti-Hate Network noted a significant rise in antisemitic incidents in Canada post-attacks and emphasized the need to allow police to investigate before removing offensive graffiti. Farber suggested using tarps to cover highly visible graffiti while acknowledging the public’s desire for swift removal.
Both law enforcement and residents are encouraged to strike a balance between conducting thorough investigations and addressing community concerns promptly. The collaboration between the public and police is crucial in combating hate crimes and ensuring justice for victims.