Pride flags stolen on Hamilton Mountain

Hamilton police are investigating multiple reports of stolen Pride flags.

This includes flags stolen from two residences and four schools - all on the Mountain, police said.

It's not clear if the incidents are connected. Investigations are ongoing.

Police are asking anyone with information about the stolen flags to come forward.

The thefts come amid a rise in hate-motivated crimes across the city. This includes a 61 per cent increase in hate incidents reported to Hamilton police last year, with the Black, Jewish and LGBTQ communities the most frequently targeted.

In 2022, there were 174 hate incidents reported, including 26 that were classified as hate crimes.

Hate crimes can be reported online at hamiltonpolice.on.ca, by phone at 905-546-4925 or in person at any Hamilton police station.

Anyone with information on the flag thefts is asked to call Det. Sgt. Ben Licop of the Division 3 criminal investigation branch at 905-546-3851.

To remain anonymous contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppershamilton.com.

Nicole O'Reilly is a crime and justice reporter at The Spectator. noreilly@thespec.com