Police say 7 vehicles were ‘targeted and vandalized’ at a mosque in Orono

Authorities are investigating a suspected hate-motivated crime where seven vehicles were allegedly “targeted and vandalized” at a mosque in Orono, according to police.

Officers from the Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) were called to 111 Church Street North on Saturday at approximately 10:30 p.m. 

Police say seven vehicles were vandalized, as well as the front door of the mosque.

“We are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam, CCTV, or cellphone phone footage from the area around the time of the incident, to please come forward,” DRPS wrote in a press release issued on Sunday.

“We are aware of the deep concern and distress this incident has caused, particularly within our Muslim community. We understand the fear and anxiety such events can create, and we want to reassure everyone that we are taking this matter seriously,” authorities added. 

“Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with community leaders to provide support and ensure that all residents feel safe.”

Orono is a small community in the municipality of Clarington. Mayor Adrian Foster issued a statement on Monday where he condemned the act as an “ignorant incident of intolerance.”

“It is truly disappointing to see someone use their limited understanding of a faith to harass its members. I want to state firmly that religious hate and intolerance do not reflect our Clarington values,” Foster wrote. “I understand the Durham Regional Police Service is earnestly investigating this incident. I encourage any witnesses to come forward and speak to the investigating officers.”

The National Council of Canadian Muslims (NCCM) says it is “horrified by the chain of Islamophobic incidents that have been happening in the Durham region.”

The incident at the Masjid Al-Wadood in Orono comes just days after multiple hate-motivated graffiti incidents were reported in Whitby.

“The language involved is offensive and has a significant impact on our Muslim community,” DRPS said in a statement

The NCCM is urging Canada’s political leaders to condemn Islamophobia and to take action.

“There is no room for hate in Canada,” it said.