Halifax Regional Police is investigating an incident of property damage where hate is believed to be a motivating factor.

On May 7 police received a report of property damage that occurred in the Spryfield area of Halifax. At approximately 7:30 p.m. two youths ripped down a Pride flag that was displayed at the residence and then fled the area on foot. The youths are described as being in their early teens.

This is the second report Halifax Regional Police has recently received of property damage where hate is believed to be a motivating factor that involved a Pride flag. On April 5 at approximately 2:55 p.m. four youths destroyed a Pride flag and another Pride item that were displayed in the yard of a residence in the north-end of Halifax. The youths are described as males, 10 to 12 years-old, with one of the youths having dark curly hair. This incident has been investigated; however, the youths have not been identified.

Investigators, along with members of the Hate Crime Unit of the Integrated Criminal Investigation Division, are asking anyone with information about these incidents or video from the area, who has not already spoken with police, to call 902-490-5020.  Anonymous tips can be sent to Crime Stoppers by calling toll-free 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submitting a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca or using the P3 Tips App.

We recognize that incidents of this nature can be very harmful to our community. We take incidents that are believed to be motivated by hate towards an identifiable group very seriously. If someone finds themselves exposed to behavior that is offensive, threatening or intimidating, we encourage them to report it to police to investigate so we can determine if criminal offences have occurred. Even if the investigation does not find criminal wrongdoing in that specific incident, it is important to have it on record.