An investigation is now underway following a report of vandalism involving hate speech in downtown Stratford.
Police say they received a report of vandalism at Sirkel Foods at 40 Wellington Street on Tuesday morning. Police say someone spray painted hate speech directed at the LGBTQ2+ community on the back of the business.
Investigators believe the offence was committed during the overnight hours from October 31 to November 1.
This is the second incident of property damage at Sirkel Foods recently. On September 16, an unidentified person threw eggs at the business, although police say they are unsure if these two matters are related.
"This is our home" says Sirkel Foods Owner Kelly Ballantyne, saying the incident has prompted her and her wife to reconsider security measures surrounding the business. "We're here so much and working so hard. To see that, it was just awful."
Ballantyne feels the response has been great, both from officials with the mayor's office as well as the community.
"The support has been overwhelming. I feel such gratitude and feel super-loved. We do a lot for out community out of the restaurant and personally, so then to have that come back ten-fold has been incredible," she said.
She says some of the donations received will be used to upgrade security at the property.
Stratford Police Chief Greg Skinner held a community meeting on Wednesday at the Stratford Pride Community Centre to provide an update, saying a preliminary investigation is underway but police so far have not been able to identify any witnesses or find any relevant surveillance footage that would help to identify those responsible.
Mayor-elect Martin Ritsma so far has not returned a request for comment on this investigation.