Divisions over protests in Hong Kong have surfaced in Coquitlam after someone spray-painted the garage of a Burke Mountain home with a slogan that appears to side with the Chinese government.
Coquitlam RCMP have confirmed they are investigating a case of mischief involving vandalism in the 3300-block of Leston Avenue after police received a call at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27. Someone had spray-painted in red the words “HK is a part of China” in large letters.
Cpl. Michael Mclaughlin said police aren’t speculating as to the vandal’s possible motive but divisions between Hong Kong protestors and pro-China backers have surfaced in various cities around the world, including Vancouver.
“We are still investigating. We are encouraging anyone who saw or had video around that time to contact police. There has always been a lot of speculation about the motive, but we can’t conclude positively what the motive is,” McLaughlin said.
But police are looking for information about a person of interest, identified as a man in his late 20s with a stocky build who was driving a blue car in the area. Police believe the vandalism occurred early that morning, a few hours before the complaint call was made. Those with information are asked to call the Coquitlam RCMP’s non-emergency line, 604-945-1550, and quote file number 2019-26257.
“Even a small amount of information that may seem insignificant to you could build a picture of what happened and be important for us,” McLaughlin said.
Although the damage appears to be graffiti vandalism, a charge, if laid, would be mischief under $5,000.
