Authorities are investigating "hate crime-related vandalism" targeting the LGBTQ+ community in the Hillcrest neighborhood of San Diego, police said Saturday.
The San Diego Police Department's LGBTQ+ liaisons were contacted by local business owners to report the vandalism, which occurred early Friday morning in the area of Fifth Avenue and Robinson Avenue.
Police said the vandalism included a swastika and an anti-LGBTQ+ slur spray painted on a trash can and a wall.
Investigators from the SDPD's Western Division were sent to the scene to begin the investigation and collect any available video surveillance. They said it appeared that three unknown suspects wearing hooded sweatshirts committed the acts between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m.
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"It appears they possibly left the area in a vehicle similar to an early 2000s grey Buick Century, which was missing the right front hubcap," police added.
Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call the Western Division at 619-692-4800, or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
"We are seeing a lot more of these vandalisms pop up," Hillcrest resident David Burch told NBC 7.
"Honestly, I’ve just become so numb to this happening around us so it’s just another incident. Another chance for us to get out and clean it off and wipe it off, and keep going," Burch said. "There’s always going to want to be those single individuals that want to spread this toxic behavior. So we need to just not give it power and continue washing it off so that voice isn’t seen in our community."
"I would call the police immediately if I came across the individual," Burch added.
"I can tell you that nationally hate crime incidents are up, which is always very concerning to us. The San Diego Police Department is committed to providing a safe space for people enjoying their lives and go on about their daily activities," Capt. Matt Dobbs said.
