Symbols of hate, including a Nazi swastika, were painted as graffiti on street signs in the area of Wilcoxson Avenue and nearby Longbrook Park late Friday night or early Saturday morning, according to Stratford Police Captain Paul DosSantos.
A home foreclosure sign that was marred with the graffiti was removed immediately, DosSantos said, and about six other signs, including speed limit and crosswalk signs were removed by Stratford Department of Public Works Sunday afternoon, according to DPW Director Maurice McCarthy.
“Graffiti is not uncommon,” DosSantos said, “but these types of symbols are not common. They promote hate.”
The messages were painted in a general area around a neighborhood near the park, and police do not know if the culprits are acting to intimidate one particular person, according to the captain. These messages are “not characteristic of the neighborhood,” he said.
Because of the type messages — others include the initials W.P. and dual thunderbolts, both of which are interpreted by some to signify white supremacy and other types of hate — the intensity of the police investigation is now stepped up compared to other graffiti. The detective bureau is now involved.
“We are asking questions and information is coming in,” DosSantos said.
Anyone with information about the crimes is asked to call 203-384-4100 or use iWatchStratford.com.
Symbols of hate were painted on these signs over the weekend and taken down by Public Works on Sunday July 20.