City police probe graffitied swastikas
Troy police detectives are investigating a recent incident where swastikas were spray painted on a private contractor’s trailer, announced Assistant Chief of Police Steven Barker in a press release on behalf of Mayor Carmella Mantello and Chief of Police Daniel DeWolf.
On Friday, Feb. 23, Troy Police Patrol Officers observed swastikas spray painted on a private contractor’s trailer parked in the area of Congress St. and 8th St, the release said. The private contractor has been assisting in the cleanup efforts in the Prospect Park area.
After a preliminary investigation, the release said they have determined the vandalism occurred sometime Friday in the early morning hours. Detectives are currently in the early stages of the investigation and have also been in contact with their partners at the New York State Police to ensure the New York State Hate Crimes Task Force (ny.gov/ programs/hate-crimes-task-force) is aware of the incident so they can to coordinate and collaborate.
Additionally, they will communicate with other local, state & federal law enforcement/crime analysis partners to ensure all available resources are included in the ongoing investigation, the release said.
“The City of Troy stands against racism and hate in all its forms,” Mantello said in the release, “and symbols which promote racism and discrimination are not welcome in our community.”
“Included in the Mission Statement of the Troy Police Department is our pledge to do our part in creating a safe environment for all,” said Barker in the release. “We will not allow this actor to represent our community and we will do everything in our power to identify any involved suspect(s), determine their motivation for committing such an act & ensure the individual(s) is held accountable for their behavior.
“We also know that we cannot do this alone, it takes the support of the community we serve,” he continued. “If you have any information regarding this incident please consider contacting the Lead Detective at (518) 270-4772 or report online at TroyPD.org. I want to thank those partners and community members who have already provided information to assist the investigation.”