A recent rash of targeted graffiti has the community looking for answers as to how it got there and when it will be removed.
The graffiti in questions mentions a specific individual and makes reference to drug use.
"City of Cambridge, this graffiti has been up well over 2 weeks," one resident wrote in a Facebook post.
"I'm not really surprised you haven't done anything to remove it, but it sure doesn't look good on the city. Not to mention all the school kids who have to walk by and see it every day. This is only 3 of the maybe 20 tags with same message."
The post garnered over 150 comments before being restricted and some replies mention a similar message has been popping up on trash cans, park benches and the sides of buildings around the city.
Another post referenced the larger issue of graffiti in the city.
"I would say 90% of the ones I have seen are on public property in parks, along trails etc.," it read.
"I would hazard a guess that there are over 100+ and the number keeps growing."
The Waterloo Regional Police Service is reiterating that the act is a criminal offence.
In certain instances, if the messaging is considered hate related, the charges can escalate.
"Graffiti typically falls under Mischief Under $5,000," Brad Hickey, public information officer for WRPS said.
"Graffiti that is being investigated as a hate-motivated incident is generally investigated as a regular Criminal Code offence motivated by hate. Investigators will liaise with the Crown's Office to ensure the courts are aware that the offence was motivated by hate and highlight the significant impact on a group or specific community for consideration in sentencing."
Hate crimes are considered criminal offences based on race, national or ethnic origin, language, religion, sex, age, mental or physical disability, sexual orientation or any other similar factor.
Hickey pointed out that the example provided wouldn't fall under the category of hate-motivated.
As for the cleanup, the city said residents can report graffiti through its mobile app, website and by emailing or calling Service Cambridge.
Response times are dependent on the nature of graffiti, associated staff resource needs and the jurisdiction in which it appears.
