The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Graffiti at Sheridan vandalism, not hate-motivated: Halton police by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff 7 | Thursday, November 19, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com While Halton police are calling it vandalism -- according to the letter of the law -- Sheridan College security characterized graffiti scrawled in a men's washroom at the Oakville campus as hate-motivated. Police say the graffiti, discovered in a men's washroom in the college's SCAET building yesterday (Wednesday) morning, was an act of vandalism. The message, written in marker, referenced attacks against the West, said police. It was discovered around 12:45 a.m. by cleaning staff and reported to police around 7:25 a.m. Investigators are working with Sheridan to identify the person who wrote the message. In an email issued at 1:49 p.m. Wednesday, informing staff and students the graffiti was removed and the washroom was open, Sheridan's Security Director Michael Burjaw stated the college had notified police of "hate-motivated graffiti written on a wall inside the men's washroom on the second floor of the SCAET building. "The Criminal Code of Canada makes it an offence to communicate statements that incite hatred. As such, Halton Regional Police Services were called to investigate. The statement was not directed at Sheridan College or anyone specifically in our community," stated Burjaw's email. Sgt. Chantal Corner said police aren't treating it as a hate crime because the message isn't threatening anyone or any place. "There's no direct threat to any person, religion or group, so in that way, it doesn't meet the criteria for a hate crime," she said. "It's so general. It's not a threat to anyone. It's a statement." She noted police are investigating the matter and are encouraging residents to remain alert and vigilant regarding any suspicious activity. Halton police have been and will continue to monitor the events going on abroad and have increased proactive uniform patrols in areas of places of worship in our region, said a police media release. Anyone with information on this investigation to contact the Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4747, ext. 2216, or anyone with information on this investigation or any other crime, wishing to remain anonymous, is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.com or by texting "Tip201" with your message to 274637 (crimes). NOVembeR SpeciaL Join us for our popular Schnitzel Entrée $ every Monday and Thursday for Enjoy your choice of coconut cream pie or rice pudding on us - both customer favourites! 1299 bReakfaSt LuNch DiNNeR Great Family DininG For over 40 years! 905-827-4851 · www.elspero.ca Visit our new location today! 2420 Lakeshore Rd., W., Oakville Mon. - Sat. 8am - 9pm Sun. 8am - 3pm MAKE US AN OFFER!! 2015 MODEL HOT TUBS AND POOL TABLES MUST BE SOLD!! GOLD GOLD HEAR DEMO DAYS December 2 & 3 Reconnect with family and friends this holiday season. Learn about and try the latest in technology that helps with speech clarity and noisy environments. NO REASONABLE OFFER REFUSED!! FOR THE POOL TABLES 12 5 LEFT SOLID HARDWOOD HOT TUBS SWIM SPAS HOLIDAYS 289.856.9933 · FREE HEARING TEST · COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION · CALL TO SECURE YOUR SPOT 14 7 LEFT 5 2 LEFT #230-2525 Old Bronte Rd Oakville choruscare.ca John Moon, M.Sc., Aud (C), Reg CASLPO, Chief Audiologist 905.815.5252 *Limited Time Offer, No Dealers Please, Quantities Limited. 504 IROQUOIS SHORE ROAD, UNIT #1, OAKVILLE, ONTARIO L6H 3K4 *Restrictions apply Check in-store for details, not applicable on prior sales, O.A.C. **Products may not be exactly as pictured.