Police seek suspect after hate-motivated graffiti found in Vaughan, Markham | CBC News

Investigators with York Regional Police are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a masked person after several instances of antisemitic graffiti were discovered in Vaughan and Markham Monday.

In a news release issued Tuesday, York police said that between 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. the day before, a lone suspect walked up to several properties in the area of Yonge Street and Centre Street — as well as on Clark Avenue — and used red spray paint to write antisemitic messages.

A synagogue was one of the targets, as well as businesses, police said.

In security camera footage, the suspect appears to be wearing a black and white Halloween mask that looks like a ghostface mask, popularized in the Scream franchise.

Investigators also say the suspect was driving a light blue SUV.

Police say they believe the incidents are hate motivated, and are asking any witnesses who have yet to speak with investigators or people with dashcam footage in the area around the time of the incidents to come forward.

“York Regional Police takes these matters seriously,” the news release reads. “All reports of hate crime or hate/bias incidents will be investigated thoroughly.”

Anyone with information is being asked to call investigators at 1-866-876-5423 extension 7241 or to leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers.

In an emailed statement, Vaughan Mayor Steven Del Duca said the vandalism targeting the city’s Jewish community is “unacceptable” and needs to be denounced “in the strongest possible terms.”

“Our Jewish neighbours deserve to live their lives without fear, and to be and feel safe at all times,” he said.