The Victoria Police Department has yet to make any arrests in two “mischief investigations” related to Beacon Hill Park.
Police are currently looking into two incidents of believed mischief, discovered on Feb. 24: a graffiti spree around Victoria and the vandalism of a Queen Elizabeth II statue in Beacon Hill Park.
In the case of the graffiti, a series of spray-painted messages – several making references to Beacon Hill Park – were discovered at various locations around Victoria on Wednesday morning.
The graffiti appeared on numerous buildings, including provincial and municipal government offices, businesses and park facilities, appeared to be targeted in the vandalism spree.
Investigators with VicPD say they are asking for victims, witnesses and those with surveillance video or information to come forward as police look for answers.
According to a police report issued on Thursday, the damage caused by the graffiti is estimated to be in the “several thousands of dollars.”
“Investigators are also asking those with video surveillance in the areas of the 700 to 2000- blocks of Douglas Street and the 600-block of Pandora Avenue from overnight on Tuesday, February 24 to please review their video and contact investigators,” reads a statement from Police.
On the same day that the graffiti appeared around Victoria, it was discovered that the head of a Queen Elizabeth II statue in Beacon Hill Park was missing.
Police say that they were called to Beacon Hill Park in the area near the petting zoo just after 12 p.m. on Wednesday after receiving a report that the Queen’s head was missing.
Over 24 hours later, police say the head has not been recovered.
“While both are considered mischief investigations which occurred in similar geographic locations and were discovered at similar times, investigators have not yet linked them,” reads a statement from the Victoria Police Department.
Anyone with information regarding either of these incidents is being asked to call the VicPD Report Desk at (250) 995-7654, extension 1.
To report what you know anonymously, please call Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
Graham Cox
