Disgusting act by masked teenagers on walls of public toilets at Dee Why Beach in Sydney
A teenager has been arrested after a swastika was allegedly drawn on the walls of public toilets at a popular beach.
The toilet block at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches was allegedly defaced with the symbol associated with the German Nazis at around 8.30pm on Wednesday night.
Footage from nearby surveillance cameras showed two masked teenagers standing in front of the restrooms, while a boy reportedly drew the swastika on the door.
There were also said to be insulting comments written, 7 News defeated.
A local resident witnessed the alleged act and called police, but the teenagers fled when officers arrived.
A boy was seen on a bicycle as police approached.
“I knew they were going to run, so I immediately got out of my car and ran over to cut them off from the other side,” the resident said.
A New South Wales police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that officers arrested a 16-year-old boy a short time later.
Nearby surveillance camera footage captured two masked teenagers standing in front of the restrooms, while a boy reportedly drew the swastika on the door (see photo)
The teenager is assisting police with their investigation. The investigation into the incident is still ongoing.
Locals were outraged by the alleged act, which is illegal in NSW after the state government passed laws in 2022 banning the display of the symbol in public.
The offense carries a fine of $11,000 and those convicted could face up to a year in prison.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich told the Daily Mail: ‘Enough is enough’ and praised the swift actions of police.
“Make no mistake, drawing the Nazi swastika is a pure hate crime and I welcome the arrest of these individuals,” said Dr. Abramovich.
“This reprehensible display of intolerance is a sobering reminder that no neighborhood or city is immune to the virus of racism.”
Northern Beaches City Council was made aware of the graffiti and a council spokeswoman told Daily Mail staff they had removed the graffiti.
“The council takes this type of offensive graffiti very seriously. Our staff responds quickly to offensive graffiti and removes it as quickly as possible,” the spokeswoman said.
Northern Beaches Council has been made aware of the graffiti and a spokeswoman said staff are working to have it removed (stock photo of Dee Why beach)
‘If you see graffiti in local parks, playgrounds and public spaces, please report it to the municipality.’
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
