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Subject: [Q-R] Reward still on offer in Jewish cemetery vandalism case
Date: Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:41:28 -0500 (EST)

Reward still on offer in Jewish cemetery vandalism case






Victoria, BC









Swastikas were painted on five graves in the Jewish cemetery on Dec. 31.




Two weeks after a $5,000 reward was posted for information about vandalism
at Victoria's Jewish cemetery, police remain hopeful that someone will come
forward with the help they need to solve the case.
Five headstones at the historic Emanu-El Jewish Cemetery were desecrated
with racist words and swastikas on Dec. 31. Victoria police said they were
treating it as a hate crime.
More than 1,000 people showed support for the cemetery by attending a vigil
in January at the site on Cedar Hill Road.
The reward was posted by an anonymous donor. Victoria police Det. Lori
Beauvais said she is eager to hear from the public.
"I look forward to receiving any tip, and following up every little scrap
of information that anyone provides," said Beauvais, who has been the
Victoria Police Department's co-ordinator of hate-crime investigations for the
past year. "It's still an active and ongoing investigation."
She said the hate-crime position she holds has been in place for some time,
and there is a B.C Hate Crime Team, as well.
"It's for any sort of crime that targets an identified cultural group or
anyone that identifies themselves under the B.C. Human Rights Code by gender,
by race or religion."
Beauvais said it is a certainty that someone knows who painted the
disturbing words and images on the headstones.
"It's a serious thing. A lot of people look at it like graffiti or nuisance
behaviour, but no."
She said she has spoken to many members of the Jewish community and is
well-aware of the deep impact the incidence has had on them.
To qualify for the reward, call 250-995-7444 and be prepared to give your
name. The information given must lead to an arrest and conviction.
"We will work with anyone that's willing to come forward, in confidence,"
Beauvais said.

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