POLICE – Westsyde park hit with vandalism, racist graffiti

Users of the Rainbow Park playground in Westsyde fell victim to some disturbing vandalism earlier this week.

On Wednesday Aug. 28, 2024, the Kamloops RCMP detachment attended the McCurrach Place park, which had been hit with hateful and racist graffiti sometime overnight, after 9 p.m. the day before.

“The fact that someone would intentionally damage a children’s park in and of itself is appalling, but that they would further subject the community to such hateful and racist words is absolutely disgusting,” said Cpl. Crystal Evelyn.

“The local residents who were present while the responding police officer investigated all expressed their disdain and disapproval of the language used and the crime committed.”

Numerous items in the play structure and park were hit with spray paint; their cans seized as part of the ongoing investigation, which received assistance from the Forensic Identification Services Unit.

Anyone who witnessed or has video related to this incident, or had someone return home Tuesday night with spray paint on their hands, is asked to contact the Kamloops RCMP Detachment at 250-828-3000 and reference file 2024-28418.