The Ontario Provincial Police are looking into incidents where flagpoles displaying Pride flags were taken down and the rainbow flags were stolen from several schools in Perth County.
This investigation started on Sunday after police got multiple reports about damaged flagpoles over the weekend, particularly around Perth Line 72, Perth Road 131, Perth Line 43, and Perth Road 135.
According to investigators, two male individuals of interest were seen on surveillance footage wearing black clothing and face coverings while carrying a saw.
“The persons of interest were observed in the area of these mischiefs operating an all-terrain vehicle,” police said in a news release.
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Perth County OPP shared this photo of the two persons of interest as they investigate the cutting down of flagpoles that had been flying Pride flags. (Perth County OPP)
The Avon Maitland District School Board released a statement on Monday condemning these acts.
“Let us be clear: this was not a simple act of mischief. This was a targeted, costly and hateful act of vandalism.”
The statement noted that several flagpoles flying both Canadian and Pride flags were affected.
“Replacing these poles is very costly, reallocating taxpayer dollars that should be going directly into our classrooms to support student learning,” it said.
“It is shameful that community resources must now be diverted to repair the damage caused by this act.”
The board stated that new flagpole replacements would happen and the Pride flag will be flown again once repairs are done.
“Our schools will remain safe spaces for everyone, and our resolve to foster an inclusive environment is only strengthened by this incident.”
A number of thefts involving Pride flags and acts of vandalism have also been reported in other parts of southwestern Ontario since Pride Month began.
At Thames Valley District School Board’s Emily Stowe Public School in Norwich, Pride flags have faced repeated vandalism and theft, along with one flagpole being cut down. The OPP in Oxford County are investigating this situation too.
If you have any information about what happened in Perth County, please reach out to the OPP or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
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