Police are investigating after swastikas were found painted on a brand-new home in west suburban Riverside, Illinois, on Christmas Day.
The potential homeowners, who were in the process of purchasing the home from the builder, are of Indian descent and may have been targeted, police said.
No physical evidence was found at the scene and no neighbors saw the vandalism take place, police said. The swastikas were removed from the windows after being photographed.
Police believe the incident occurred after 11 p.m. on Dec. 24 because a neighbor said there was no paint on the home at that time.
"As this is a disgusting incident and potentially a hate crime, I have assigned detectives to work on this specific case and put any resources they need towards the possible apprehension of the suspect(s)," Riverside police Chief Tom Weitzel said in a statement.
Police are searching for anyone who might have bought purple spray paint or had it left over from some type of construction job or home project. Anyone with information should call Det. Jim Lazansky at 708-447-2127 or jlazansky@riverside.il.us.
