By ALI RAZA, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Residents and businesses are frustrated over repeated acts of vandalism in the Beach Village area.
The Beach Village BIA recently posted on its Facebook page photos from Friday, Sept. 11 night showing acts of vandalism in front of two local businesses on Queen Street East near Willow Avenue.
The photos were collected from surveillance systems of nearby businesses.
In the photos, two individuals are seen pushing over a planter and casually walking away.
Beach Village BIA executive director Anna Sebert said the individuals also urinated in front of businesses along Queen Street East.
“We have footage from two different businesses of these guys pushing over planters, and peeing on front steps of businesses,” she said. “We’ve passed everything along to Toronto Police Services to keep a watch.”
Last week before the Friday incident, police apprehended a suspect in the process of pushing over a planter. Officers learned that the individual was having a mental health crisis and he was taken to receive help.
But these Friday, Sept. 11, suspects seemed drunk, Sebert said.
“I was so frustrated,” she said. “We ran the photos just it get it out there so people are aware.”
Residents responded to the post in outrage.
“Time to form a neighbourhood watch,” Marilyn Bylow said.
“There have been other planters pushed over,” Janice Graham wrote.
“Happening for weeks now,” Andy Johnstone said.
Sebert said there is no update from police on the investigation due to relative nature of the crime. She is hoping residents can keep an eye out for vandalism and provide police with more information if they spot it taking place.
The planters are owned by the Beach Village BIA, which represents approximately 300 businesses in the area along Queen Street East between Neville Park Boulevard and Lockwood Road.
- Ali Raza is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.
Did you enjoy this article? Become a Beach Metro Community News Supporter today! For 50 years, we have worked hard to be the eyes and ears in your community, inform you of upcoming events, and let you know what and who is making a difference. We cover the big stories as well as the little things that often matter the most. CLICK HERE to support your Beach Metro Community News!
