Masked mob dressed in black vandalizes streets of Hamilton
Hamilton police are asking for the public's help in identifying the mob of vandals who went on a rampage in the Kirkendall neighbourhood near downtown Saturday night — setting off fireworks, damaging vehicles and throwing rocks at store windows — causing an estimated $100,000 of damage.
At around 10 p.m. Saturday night a group of about 30 individuals dressed in black clothing with their faces covered walked through the streets carrying a banner that said, "We Are The Ungovernables," say police. Police and witnesses say the mob damaged property, while setting off fireworks in the streets.
"I was actually shaking," said Krista Boyd, who was driving on Locke at the time and had to stop her car.
"They weren't even moving out of my way. They were around my car, walking around me." The guy looked like he was going to throw something and I was like 'Well this is bad,'" said Boyd.
Tristan Persaud, who lives on Locke Street with his wife, heard the disturbance.
"We heard fireworks and looked out the window to see where they were coming from and then saw this mob of 30 or so in black hoodies walking down the street, throwing recycling bins and other objects into the street, and then egging and throwing rocks through shop windows," said Persaud.
The damage
Police say a number of storefronts on Locke Street and vehicles were damaged by the group overnight. Police say there were no reported injuries.
"This is a criminal act, no doubt about it. It's not a peaceful assembly of people obviously, so it's being investigated as such," said Hamilton police Insp. Paul Hamilton, who was duty inspector last night.
"Right now my estimate is that there's 10 mischiefs occurred that we've located and that includes businesses along Locke as well as some vehicles in and around that area and the estimate is about $100,000 worth of damage," said Hamilton.
Police say the group quickly dispersed upon arrival of the police, many discarding their clothing as they fled.
"We collected a number of pieces of evidence that were left behind and we're going to continue to investigate with the hopes of laying some charges here," said Hamilton.
Reaction
MPP for Hamilton Centre and Ontario NDP leader, Andrea Horwath went on Twitter last night to say that she was "extremely concerned" about what was happening in her neighbourhood.
In a news release Sunday, Horwath announced that she's calling for people to come together March 10 to to support the businesses on Locke Street.
She's called it, #LoveLockeDay" and wants to show that the community won't be intimidated, while supporting hard-working local businesses that have been damaged.
"Let's come together to greet each other as neighbours, shop local on Locke, and show these vandals that this attack will only make us stronger," said Horwath.
Locke Street Business Improvement Association chair Tony Greco says, "It's a sad day for our neighbourhood. For our businesses."
"Most of these businesses are independently owned. Mom and pop shops. On their feet for 12 hours a day. It's going to be costly for some of these people," said Greco.
In a statement Sunday, Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger said that he was disappointed by the "random and senseless" acts of violence and vandalism.
"The damage inflicted on Locke Street properties was abhorrent, unjustified and against what we believe as Hamiltonians," said Eisenberger.
"I encourage everyone to show their support and visit the Locke Street BIA shops and continue to support these small businesses."
"These crimes are shameful," Ward 1 Coun. Aidan Johnson told CBC News.
"It is inspiring to see so many friends from all over Hamilton on Locke today, showing solidarity with the merchants and the workers of Locke Street, and with Kirkendall neighbours," said Johnson.
On social media, Donut Monster, located at 246 Locke St. S. announced that they would have very few, if any, doughnuts because their storefront was hit by the vandals, and they had to call off their night baking staff.
"Eight of our windows were smashed. We got hit pretty hard. It was pretty devastating to walk into that," said owner Reuben Vanderkwaak.
That didn't stop customers from visiting Donut Monster, despite the shortage. The shop was offering coffee and tea only.
"I'm feeling the support of the customers," said Vanderkwaak.
Possible links
"We're looking at any possible links to a book fair that was being held in the city yesterday. There's an anarchist book fair being held at Westdale high school all weekend," said Hamilton.
Hamilton says police haven't identified any specific group. "It's just the fact that we're aware that this book fair was taking place. It's an annual event and we're going to be investigating to see if there is any links."
Police spent the night in the area in an attempt to identify the damage, collect evidence including discarded items, collecting video and speaking to witnesses.
No arrests have been made.
A number of police resources were dispatched from all three patrol divisions to the area, including the ACTION Team, Mounted Unit and Emergency Response Team.
Police are asking for anyone who lives in the area or had their property damaged or witnessed the event, to contact Det. Jamie Simpson at (905) 546-3816.
To provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or submit your anonymous tips online.
