IMPERIAL BEACH, CA — Authorities are investigating additional antisemitic vandalism in Imperial Beach after graffiti was found at the same home targeted days earlier and in several nearby areas, the San Diego County Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies were called shortly after 10 a.m. Saturday to a home in the 100 block of Elm Avenue, where the resident reported additional hate-related graffiti on the garage door, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office. During the investigation, deputies found several other areas in an alley behind the home that had been similarly vandalized.
The markings appeared to have been made with black permanent marker, according to the sheriff's office. No suspects have been identified and no arrests have been made.
The latest vandalism follows two similar incidents reported Sept. 13. A hate symbol and antisemitic writing were found on the exterior of the same home, while similar graffiti was reported on a window of another home in the 700 block of Seacoast Drive.
Those markings also appeared to have been made with black permanent marker.
Detectives with the Imperial Beach Sheriff's Substation are conducting interviews, canvassing the affected areas and gathering evidence. The sheriff's Criminal Intelligence Unit, which assists with investigations involving domestic extremism and hate groups, is also assisting.
The sheriff's office said it has increased patrols in the affected neighborhoods and is working with the San Diego County District Attorney's Hate Crimes Unit, local community organizations and the city of Imperial Beach.
Anyone with information was asked to call the sheriff's office at 858-868-3200 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
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