Further to Media Release for Friday, March 20, 2026

Graffiti Investigation

Officers with the Peterborough Police Service are investigating after an offensive racial slur was spray painted multiple times across a 300-meter section of fence in the City of Peterborough.  

The incident happened sometime overnight between Thursday, March 19, 2026, and 8:20am on Friday, March 20, 2026.  The graffiti was painted along a fence on Airport Road south of Sir Sanford Fleming Drive. The offensive racial slur was written nine times along a 300-meter stretch of fence.  

Anyone with information, security camera footage or dash cam footage is asked to contact Peterborough Police at 705-876-1122 x555 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at www.stopcrimehere.ca

This incident has been identified as a hate/bias crime as graffiti is mischief under the Criminal Code of Canada and the word makes it hate-motivated. 

“It is beyond disappointing to learn about this incident.  In fact, it is angering. We are currently in the midst of an anti-hate campaign in this City and to see something like this only highlights the need for additional education and enforcement. We believe that hate, in any form, has no place in our community and will continue to investigate. We are asking anyone who may have seen something suspicious in that area or has camera footage to come forward.” Stu Betts, Chief, Peterborough Police Service.

Information about Anti-Hate Public Education and Awareness Campaign

Sandra Dueck
Manager, Strategic Communication Services
Peterborough Police Service
876@peterboroughpolice.ca
705-876-1122 x217

How to report a crime:
There are several ways to report a crime to the Peterborough Police Service.

• Emergency call 9-1-1
• Non-emergency call 705-876-1122 x225
• Online through the official Online Reporting Portal at  www.peterboroughpolice.com/online-reporting where you can also upload photos and/or video.

Or you can report anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or www.stopcrimehere.ca

Learn more about what is happening in your community through the Community Safety Map. 

Follow the Peterborough Police Service on Facebook and Instagram.