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Two Greater Victoria churches among several areas hit with graffiti; police investigating

At least two churches were among several sites spray-painted with bright red and orange messages over the weekend.
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Mark Whittaker with Propacific DKI washes some of the graffiti off of St. Philip Anglican Church in Oak Bay on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021. ADRIAN LAM, TIMES COLONIST

At least two churches were among several sites spray-painted with bright red and orange messages over the weekend.

Oak Bay Police Chief Ray Bernoties said on Twitter Monday that graffiti was sprayed on many walls in Oak Bay, particularly around the Eastdowne and Carnarvon Park area.

Among the targets was St. Philip Anglican Church on Eastdowne Avenue, where dark grey paint is being used to cover up several areas where graffiti went up on Sunday night.

Some of the messages said “Land back.” Bits of red paint still show through, and the church’s wooden door was marked as well.

Similar graffiti showed up nearby at Lansdowne School in Saanich and at St. Andrew’s Cathedral in downtown Victoria. The words “killer” and “racist” were painted in red on the cathedral’s exterior.

Bernoties is hoping someone will have seen red or orange on hands or clothes and contact police.

“Enough paint was used that it is likely they have some on themselves.”

He asks that anyone with video of the suspects or any information to call the Oak Bay Police at 250-592-2424 or Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.