Church vandalism: Another Metro Vancouver church covered in graffiti; local police investigating
Metro Vancouver police are investigating another act of vandalism after a church was covered with orange graffiti over the weekend.
New Westminster police said in a news release Monday that St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, which is at Royal Avenue and 4th Street, was targeted on Sunday.
"We're working to find the people responsible for this and hold them accountable," said Sgt. Sanjay Kumar in a news release.
"We’re asking anyone who witnessed this vandalism or knows who may have been responsible for it to contact the New Westminster Police Department."
Last week, Vancouver police said its department had notice an uptick in vandalism of local churches in the past two months. Investigators in that city said they're looking into 13 incidents of mischief and vandalism at churches and church properties since June 2. Some of the reports include rocks being thrown at windows, graffiti and threats of buildings being set on fire.
At least six other churches in B.C. were destroyed or damaged by flames over the past several weeks. Mostly recently, a Surrey church was destroyed in what police are calling a suspicious fire. An Abbotsford church was also set on fire last week, though police have moved from describing that incident as arson to a case of mischief.
Some have speculated that the recent church destruction and vandalism could be connected to discoveries of unmarked graves at former residential school sites across the country as most of the schools were run by the Catholic Church.
The schools were known for overcrowding, poor sanitation, unhealthy food and menial labour. Harsh punishment was given to students who spoke their native language or took part in traditional ceremonies.
Investigators are hoping to speak with anyone who has additional information about Sunday's vandalism. Anyone with details or surveillance video from the area can call police at 604-525-5411.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
Human remains found in rural Sask. possibly a decade old, RCMP say
RCMP say human remains found in a rural area in central Saskatchewan may have been there for a decade or more.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
2 charged after police find 'concerning and diverse' explosives at Manitoba home
Winnipeg police say they have arrested two people in their 20s after a large amount of explosives were found in a home outside of Winnipeg, Man.