Several gay pride flags were torn from utility poles or home yards in Norwich, Ontario recently. Two people were arrested and are facing charges.
It happens every year, and it happens all over townsaid Jeff Ducharme, a Norwich resident who was robbed of a flag flying outside his home. [Les drapeaux] was stolen or damaged. This isn’t the first time, and it’s not isolated. This is not just vandalism. This is a tactic of intimidation.
According to police, between May 20 and 24, several Pride flags were stolen or damaged on Stover Street.
A 16-year-old boy from Norwich Township, who could not be named because of his age, was arrested. He faces two counts of theft under $ 5,000.
Then, on Wednesday, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) announced theft charges under $ 5,000 against Jacob Dey, 47, of Tillsonburg.
Additionally, flag theft and vandalism are on the agenda of the local Business Improvement Area meeting on Tuesday.
Videos and photos in evidence
On May 21, the POP released security camera footage showing a white GMC Sierra pickup truck, a red tractor and three male suspects wearing orange safety gear as part of the investigation. Police also said the investigation is ongoing.
Mr Ducharme said a Pride flag was flown from the balcony of his Norwich home. He shared a photo captured by the security camera of his home, showing a young man wreaking havoc on the flag.
Mr. says. Ducharme has installed this security camera because such situations have occurred in recent years.
It doesn’t steal a 5 dollar flag [qui m’irrite]this is the message behinddid he declare. [Le vol sème] feelings of intimidation and fear and no one should feel that way because the other group does not agree with them.
The business community is reacting
The Norwich Business Improvement Area posted a message on Facebook expressing frustration with the vandalism.
We found that the majority of Norwich residents support the existence of flags and our efforts and commitment to showcase the Norwich business communitysaid the statement. We only received a few negative messages, and very few of them from residents actually living in our community.
The release also says they received several donations to replace the vandalized flags on Stover Street.
A community that does not support all of its members is not considered safe for everyoneextra statement.
Tami Murray, of the association Pride of Oxford Countysaid the community strongly supported the unfurling of the Pride flag.
As we get older, they get smallerhe says. This is a very small group of people [qui s’oppose à la présence du drapeau de la fierté].
At the Business Improvement Area meeting on Tuesday, a check for $ 900 is expected to be presented to Pride Oxford for replacement flags.
Contacted by the CBC, Dey declined to comment on the allegations against him.
Radio Canada
Source: Radio-Canada
