Anti-Asian vandalism in Cabbagetown being investigated as hate crime

Toronto Police are investigating after racist graffiti targeting the Asian community was discovered in the city’s Cabbagetown neighbourhood.

Police said officers were called to the area of Gerrard Street East and Ontario Street around 5 pm on March 23 for reports of a hate crime.

According to police, vandalism that had been discovered on the side of a building contained “racial slurs directed against the Asian community.”

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Originally deemed an act of mischief, officers consulted with the service’s specialized Hate Crime Unit and are now investigating the incident as such.

Anyone with information or security camera footage of the area is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100. Anonymous tips can be made to Crime Stoppers via 416-222-8477.