Ontario Provincial Police are investigating after flagpoles with Pride flags were cut down and rainbow flags were stolen from multiple schools across Perth County.

The investigation began Sunday after police received several reports of damaged flagpoles on the weekend, in the areas of Perth Line 72, Perth Road 131, Perth Line 43 and Perth Road 135.

Two male persons of interest were captured on surveillance cameras wearing black clothing and face coverings while carrying a saw, investigators said.

“The persons of interest were observed in the area of these mischiefs operating an all-terrain vehicle,” police said in a news release.

The Avon Maitland District School Board issued a statement on Monday condemning the crimes. It said multiple flagpoles that flew both the Canadian and Pride flags were targeted.

“Let us be clear: this was not a simple act of mischief. This was a targeted, costly and hateful act of vandalism.”

“Replacing these poles is very costly, reallocating taxpayer dollars that should be going directly into our classrooms to support student learning. It is shameful that community resources must now be diverted to repair the damage caused by this act.”

Stand up to hate with education, board member urges

Jason Burt, the board’s human rights and equity lead, said the incidents go against its commitment to ensure a safe and secure environment for everyone.

“This hateful act of vandalism is very disappointing and frustrating. The pride flag is a demonstration of our commitment to our community and that discrimination or harassment of any kind will not be tolerated in the AMDSB,” Burt told CBC’s Afternoon Drive on Monday.

Burt believes the best way to stand up against hate is through education.

“Often people feel as though if we talk about a problem, it makes it worse. And in the game of education, our job is to educate, so we can’t sanitize history,” he said.

“Yes, there are harmful things, but there are ways to mitigate that harm through education and ensuring that we come at it from an educational approach.”

The board said the flagpoles would be replaced and the Pride flag will once again be flown once repairs are complete.

“Our schools will remain safe spaces for everyone, and our resolve to foster an inclusive environment is only strengthened by this incident.”

A series of Pride flag thefts and acts of vandalism have been reported elsewhere in southwestern Ontario since the start of Pride Month.

At Thames Valley District School Board’s Emily Stowe Public School in Norwich, Pride flags have been repeatedly vandalized and stolen, and a flagpole was cut down. OPP in Oxford County are investigating.

Anyone with information about the Perth County case is asked to contact the OPP or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.