Police are investigating to determine if it was a hate crime
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Police are investigating after a man vandalized the Fleetwood Islamic Centre in Surrey on Saturday, leaving offensive graffiti on the walls and hanging raw bacon off the door handles and windows.
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The threatening vandalism included threats like “Islam is trash” and “get out or die,” according to media reports.
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Video surveillance caught a masked suspect on camera between 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 28, and 5 a.m. on Saturday.
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The man was described as wearing a dark green hoodie with red lettering, red shoes with while soles and dark cargo pants. He’s believed to be driving a small white four-door sedan.
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Sunrise
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“The hateful messages and threats directed at the Fleetwood Islamic Centre are deeply offensive and heartbreaking. Attempts to intimidate people because of their faith undermine the sense of safety and belonging that every resident deserves,” said Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke. “I stand with the Muslim community and the members of the Fleetwood Islamic Centre at this difficult time.”
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Anyone with information about the identity of the individual, or who may have dashcam or video footage of the incident, is asked to contact the Surrey Police Service at 604-599-0502 and speak with investigators regarding File No. 26-27049 (SU).
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