Vancouver Chinese Cultural Centre vandalized with racist graffiti
Posted May 1, 2020 9:37 am.
Last Updated May 1, 2020 4:35 pm.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — Vancouver police are seeking help identifying a suspect after several large windows at the Chinese Cultural Centre on the Downtown Eastside were defaced with racist graffiti last month.
“It’s disheartening to report that these types of crimes are ongoing during the pandemic,” Const. Tania Visintin said. “Our department takes crimes with such hate attached extremely seriously. We will not tolerate this in our city.”
Police believes the suspect walked into the courtyard of the Chinese Cultural Centre in the afternoon on April 2, and wrote racist remarks towards the Asian community on four large
glass windows.
#VPDNews: Vancouver Police are seeking the public’s help in identifying a suspect who defaced several large windows at the Chinese Cultural Centre with hateful graffiti in Chinatown last month. https://t.co/wQOGFDqMxB pic.twitter.com/W2oSnAs9A2
— Vancouver Police (@VancouverPD) May 1, 2020
Police describes the suspect as Caucasian, with a thin build. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black jacket, black pants, and grey running shoes. He was also wearing a black baseball cap with writing on the front and had a black and white bandana covering his nose and mouth.
In recent weeks, Vancouver Police says they have seen an increase in reports of anti-Asian hate-motivated incidents and criminal acts.
Fifteen hate crimes were reported to police in April. Eleven of those reports had an anti-Asian element.
So far in 2020, there have been a total of 20 anti-Asian hate crimes reported to police. In comparison, there were 12 in all of 2019.
“The Chinese community has been suffering with hate crimes against them more than usual,” Visintin said.
The city also acknowledged an increase in incidents of hateful comments, as well as vandalism and violence targeting people of Asian descent.
“As a city of reconciliation, Vancouver is committed to anti-racism, anti-discrimination, diversity, inclusion and the full participation of all members in our society,” city manager Sadhu
Johnston says in a release.
“Healthy communities are established and thrive when all community members experience a strong sense of belonging, respect for diversity and intercultural understanding, and social cohesion. No one should feel unsafe, harassed or that they don’t belong, and we, at the City of Vancouver, will not tolerate acts of hate.”
May is Asian Heritage Month in Vancouver.
“The city needs to acknowledge there have been increased incidents of hateful comments, vandalism & violence in our own city targeted at people of Asian descent.” That’s in a release this afternoon from @CityofVancouver. The latest case here: https://t.co/tUynEFhQ2a
— Ria Renouf (@riarenouf) May 1, 2020
“We must acknowledge and confront racism and discrimination when and where they occur,” says Sandra Singh, general manager of arts, culture, and community services for the city.
She is also responsible for support programs for vulnerable citizens
“Each of us has a responsibility to stand against racial prejudice and intolerant attitudes,” Singh added.
Anyone with information about the most recent incident is asked to call VPD investigators at 604-717-2773 or CrimeStoppers, to remain anonymous, at 1-800-222-8477.
