The Regina Police Service has charged a male youth with Break and Enter and Mischief in connection with an incident that happened over the weekend at a synagogue. There is no indication, through investigation into this event, that this criminal act is a “hate crime”.
On Sunday, April 30, 2017, police were dispatched to a synagogue in the 4700 block of McTavish Street, for a report of a break and enter. The complainant indicated there had been damage caused to the interior of the building, which also houses a Montessori school, and that several furnishings and other items were broken or in a state of disarray. Due to the size of the building, police initially responded with several units in order to safely clear the premises. Through investigation, police learned that the break in occurred the day before (Saturday, April 29th) sometime between 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Although the damage to property was serious, there was no indication through graffiti or other means that this damage was motivated by hatred directed at any religion. The investigation led to the arrest of a 13 year-old male, who was subsequently charged.
The youth’s name will not be released in keeping with the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. He has been charged with Break and Enter with Intent to Commit an Indictable Offence [348(1)(a) CC] and Mischief over $5,000 [430(3) CC]. The accused appeared in Youth Court on Monday, May 1, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.