Swastikas on cars, home and stop sign probably not hate crimes, California cops say
A smattering of swastika graffiti was discovered on cars, a home and a stop sign in Southern California this week, but authorities said they aren’t considering the vandalism a hate crime.
The Nazi symbols — spray painted at “multiple residences” in Wrightwood — were reported to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on Tuesday, deputies from the Victor Valley station said in a news release.
A detective and deputy who investigated found swastikas on three vehicles, a stop sign and a garage door, with authorities saying Tuesday that investigators “are still in the community of Wrightwood interviewing neighbors and following up on leads.”
The Los Angeles Times reports that Wrightwood, the 4,200-person town northeast of Los Angeles where the graffiti appeared, “is near Mountain High, a nearby ski and snow-activity destination.”
Deputies said that “anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Detective J. Collins at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, Phelan Sub-Station, at (760) 955-8781.”
“This is believed to be an act of vandalism and tagging, and not a hate crime,” deputies said.
