Police are investigating after rocks scrawled with anti-vaccine symbols and messages were tossed through front windows of two businesses on King Street East in Preston earlier this week.
Waterloo regional police say the incidents happened sometime overnight between Oct. 12 and 13.
In both instances, the rocks had messages and graphics with possible inferences to anti-vaccination, police said.
The first incident happened just before midnight Tuesday at Cambridge Medical Pharmacy.
A Facebook post from the pharmacy's owner includes security footage that shows a shadowy figure on a bike outside the storefront around 11:48 p.m.
"Last night an antivaxer attacked our very own Cambridge Medical Pharmacy," wrote Hundal Baljinder. "This is very disrespectful towards the health care workers, doctors and nurses who work day and night to keep people healthy. This is so disappointing!"
Baljinder says he believes they were targeted because they offer COVID shots at their clinic and have signs posted outside.
He said their pharmacist was "so scared" after coming to work and seeing the smashed window. "I told him don't worry about it."
A Wednesday post on Zaz Bistro's Facebook page includes photos of the rocks the owner says smashed their front window at 1:05 a.m. Wednesday.
The perpetrators' actions appear to be driven by anger with the province's proof of vaccination mandate for restaurants.
"As a small business, it’s been a tough year," reads the post. "Following mandated provincial rules is the only way we can stay open!! We are a small business serving the citizens of Cambridge and we always do our part to make a positive contribution to the community, often participating in charitable activities! Zaz Bistro does not take any political position!!"
"We are very saddened and shaken by this vandalism!! Zaz Bistro does not write nor influence the rules, we just do our best to remain open!!"
WRPS media spokesperson Ashley Dietrich said police are independently investigating each incident while trying to determine if they're related.
She's not aware of any other incident like this in Waterloo region.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can also be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
