London police say they have identified and arrested a suspect in connection with anti-Semitic graffiti that was spray-painted on a downtown business.
Police were called Tuesday about property damage done to a business on Carling Street. Police later learned that five other businesses, two more on Carling Street and three on Dundas Street, were also targeted graffiti that included anti-Semitic symbols as well as other images and writings.
Police say video surveillance helped lead to the arrest of a 39-year-old woman shortly before 6 p.m. Wednesday. Jeannine Hilles is charged with six counts of property damage under $5,000. She is to appear in court April 27.
Police Chief Steve Williams said the service is disheartened to see these acts of property damage, particularly given the symbolism behind the hateful images.
“We would like to thank the community members who alerted us to the damage, and to those businesses who assisted in our investigation by providing video surveillance which helped identify the suspect," he said. "To make it clear, the London Police Service does not condone acts of hatred or violence toward any individuals or groups in our community. We will continue to investigate all calls of this nature, and apply charges as appropriate.”
Anyone with information in relation to these incidents is asked to call the London Police Service at (519) 661-5670 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).