On Monday, July 19, the Wayne Police Department was made aware of reports circulating on social media that a swastika symbol had been spray-painted on the pavement of Audubon Parkway.
According to police, a patrol officer was immediately dispatched to the scene to confirm its presence. Once it was confirmed, supervisors and investigators responded to conduct a follow-up investigation.
Police said that photographs were taken, subjects were interviewed and the incident was documented. Within a short time, Wayne DPW responded and covered the symbol with paint rendering it no longer visible.
Wayne Police have said that while no specific victim or target of this graffiti has been determined at this time, such conduct is an affront to the community as a whole.
They ask that anyone who witnesses or discovers evidence of a bias incident report it to the Wayne Police Department directly.
Incidents of this nature are taken seriously by the Wayne Police Department and are responded to and handled in accordance with policies and directives established by the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
The investigation into this incident is ongoing. Anyone with related information is asked to contact the Wayne Police Special Operations Unit at 973-633-3550.