A teenager has been arrested after a swastika was allegedly drawn over the walls of public toilets at a popular beach.
The toilet block at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches was allegedly graffitied with the symbol associated with Germany’s Nazis around 8.30pm on Wednesday.
Footage from nearby CCTV cameras captured two hooded teenagers standing in front of the toilets while one boy allegedly drew the swastika on the door.
Offensive comments were also allegedly written, 7 News reports.
A local resident witnessed the alleged act and called the cops, but the teenagers fled the scene when officers arrived.
One boy could be seen riding a bike as police closed in.
‘I knew that they were going to run so I immediately got out of my car and ran over to sort of intercept them from the other side just to cut them off,’ the resident said.
A spokeswoman for NSW Police told Daily Mail that officers arrested a 16-year-old boy a short time later.
The teenager is assisting police with their inquiries and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Locals were left outraged by the alleged act, which is illegal in NSW after laws were passed by the state government in 2022 banning the display of the symbol in public.
The offence carries an $11,000 fine and those convicted can be sentenced to a year behind bars.
Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission Dr Dvir Abramovich told Daily Mail ‘enough is enough’ and praised the swift actions of police.
‘Make no mistake, the drawing of the Nazi swastika is a hate crime pure and simple, and I welcome the arrest of these individuals,’ Dr Abramovich said.
‘This reprehensible display of intolerance is a sobering reminder that no suburb or city are immune to the virus of racism.’
Northern beaches council were notified about the graffiti and a council spokeswoman told Daily Mail staff are working to have it removed.
‘Council takes this kind of offensive graffiti very seriously. Our staff rapidly respond to offensive graffiti and remove it as quickly as possible,’ the spokeswoman said.
‘If you notice graffiti in local parks, playgrounds and public spaces, please report it to Council.’
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.