Several cars, at least one boat and a fence were spray-painted with offensive words in a vandalism spree along multiple streets in French Creek over the weekend.
A number of vehicles along Temple Street, Wright Road, Field Crescent, Marsh Place, Sunray Road, Sunray Close and Phillips Street were spray-painted with misogynistic slurs some time between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Sept. 30, according to an Oceanside RCMP news release.
“It would appear that a suspect started their mischief by spray painting foul language on a few cars,” Cpl. Jesse Foreman wrote in the release. “They then began opening doors of unlocked cars, stealing small items, and leaving the doors open to allow the rain to get in. The suspect then stole a knife from one of the vehicles and used the knife to slash vehicle seatbelts and scratch the exteriors of other cars. All told, this suspect victimized dozens of people, exhausted police resources and caused thousands (of dollars) in damages.”
Area resident Alan Falconer said he was alerted to the graffiti early Saturday morning (Sept. 30). Falconer’s wife’s car was vandalized on the driver’s side and the back bumper.
Falconer said he noticed the neighbour’s car across the street was also tagged, and “then all down Temple (Street) was house after house after house.”
Falconer said there were at least a dozen vehicles tagged in the neighbourhood.
This isn’t the first time for vandalism in the neighbourhood, Falconer said. Several weeks ago, he said, cars were keyed about a block away, and the Falconers’ house was egged a couple of months ago.
“We’re on the assumption here that it’s probably a lot of the same people,” Falconer said. “I just want them caught.”
Foreman told The NEWS there is an ongoing investigation into the vandalism. The Oceanside RCMP is also asking the public to come forward if they have any additional information that could lead to a suspect. To call the Oceanside detachment, call 250-248-6111 or to report anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.