A rainbow crosswalk in Tillsonburg has once again been targeted by vandals.
Black paint and diesel fuel were poured on the Progress Pride-themed crosswalk last weekend.
Town of Tillsonburg officials said the substances created “a dangerous situation for motorists and an environmental hazard.”
Members of the town’s fire service assisted in clearing the toxins from the street.
This is the fourth time the crosswalk has been targeted since being installed in July. Its installation was led by Oxford County Pride.
“This is reckless behavior and it needs to stop,” Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy said in a media release.
“Defacing public property is not acceptable in Tillsonburg at any time,” she said. “I cannot stress enough how concerning these incidents are to not only the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and their allies, but to the entire community.”
The act of mischief was reported to the Oxford County OPP – Tillsonburg detachment at shortly before 1 am on Sunday, Sept. 3.
Police said Thursday video footage is being reviewed to identify who is responsible for the damage.
“The OPP does not tolerate or condone acts of hate against a person or property based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, color, religion or religious dress, sex, age, mental or physical disability, or sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression,” police said in a media release.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the Oxford OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Those wishing to remain anonymous are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or submit an online tip at www.oxfordcrimestoppers.com where you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.
