Swastika found on trash can in Highland Park prompts police investigation

The Highland Park Police Department is investigating an incident of antisemitic vandalism, according to a statement by city officials.

On Friday a Highland Park resident found a swastika and other antisemitic messages created with painter’s tape on a trash can on the north side of the city.

The police department will be “implementing additional patrols throughout the city” in response to the incident, Highland Park officials announced in a Saturday statement published on the city’s Facebook page.

“Violent threats have no place in our country, state, or city, and will not be tolerated,” the statement said. “Reports of such hate crimes are of great concern. The police department will continue to work closely with partner agencies to ensure the continued safety of our community.”

Highland Park Mayor Nancy Rotering tweeted Friday afternoon in response to the incident.

“This act of hatred, bigotry, and cowardice has no place in our community,” she wrote. “I condemn it in the strongest terms possible.”