For the third time since May, Peterborough police are investigating a hate/bias incident after receiving reports of antisemitic pamphlets being distributed in a Peterborough neighbourhood — this time over the Canada Day long weekend.
The antisemitic pamphlets were reported in the area of Parkhill Road West and Crowley Crescent and in the Medical Drive and Weller Street area. Police believe the pamphlets were distributed sometime during Saturday night into early Sunday morning.
Over the weekend of May 13 and 14, police first received reports of antisemitic pamphlets being delivered in neighbourhoods in the Lansdowne Street and George Street area, as well as in East City. Over the weekend of June 17 and 18, police also received reports of antisemitic pamphlets begin distributed in the Wolsely Street and Chemong Road area.
In total, police have has received 19 reports from residents and have canvassed in the areas for video and further information.
“There is no room for hate in our community at any time,” says Peterborough police chief Stuart Betts in a media release. “The number one goal of the Peterborough Police Service is public safety, and the service is committed to this goal.”
Peterborough police have provided a map to show the community the approximate locations of the reports by month.
On Tuesday (July 4), Peterborough mayor Jeff Leal issued a statement about the antisemitic pamphlets.
“I am saddened and disgusted to learn that antisemitic hate literature has been distributed in our community,” Leal says, adding he has been in contact with the police. “Racism and discrimination of any kind have no place in Peterborough. We stand with our city’s Jewish community and strongly condemn all forms of hate.”
Anyone with information about these incidents or any video is asked to call Peterborough police at 705-876-1122 ext. 555. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit a tip online at stopcrimehere.ca.
Residents can also report hate/bias incidents through the Peterborough Police Service’s online reporting portal at peterboroughpolice.com/en/report/online-reporting.aspx.
