Hate Graffiti Found On 9 Stop Signs In Deer Park: Police

DEER PARK, NY — Suffolk County Police Hate Crimes Unit detectives are investigating graffiti discovered on multiple stop signs in Deer Park on Wednesday.

Detectives responding to the area observed graffiti on stop signs at the intersections of Lawrence Road and Carto Circle, as well as Lawrence Road and Grand Boulevard near the Islamic Center of Deer Park.

Police said the Town of Babylon had already cleaned graffiti from signs at Lawrence Road and Grand Boulevard before detectives arrived at the scene.

In total, nine stop signs were damaged, according to authorities.

In a statement, the Town of Babylon condemned the incident and said it is working with law enforcement.

"We will not tolerate this hate and intolerance in our town," the Town board said in a statement. "The defacement on these stop signs has been removed, and we will continue working with our law enforcement partners to hold those responsible accountable. We will not tolerate Islamophobia in any form. Our community is stronger because of its diversity, and we stand united in rejecting hatred and division."

Officials are asking residents to report any additional defaced signs to 311 so they can be removed as soon as possible.

The investigation is ongoing.