A teenager has been arrested after allegedly drawing a swastika on the walls of public toilets at a popular beach.
The toilet block at Dee Why Beach on Sydney’s northern beaches was reportedly defaced with the symbol associated with Nazi Germany at around 8.30pm on Wednesday.
CCTV footage from nearby cameras captured two hooded teenagers standing outside the toilets while a boy allegedly drew a swastika on the door.
Offensive comments were also reportedly written. 7 News information.
A local resident witnessed the alleged act and called police, but the teens fled the scene when officers arrived.
A boy could be seen riding a bicycle as police approached.
“I knew they were going to run, so I immediately got out of my car and ran to intercept them from the other side just to cut them off,” the resident said.
A New South Wales Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia that officers arrested a 16-year-old boy a short time later.
Images from nearby surveillance cameras captured two hooded teenagers standing in front of the toilets while a child allegedly drew the swastika on the door (pictured).
The teenager is assisting police with their enquiries and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Locals were left outraged by the alleged act, which is illegal in New South Wales after the state government passed laws in 2022 banning the display of the symbol in public.
The offence carries a fine of $11,000 and those convicted can be sentenced to one year in prison.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dr Dvir Abramovich told the Daily Mail: “Enough is enough” and praised the swift action 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,” said Dr Abramovich.
“This reprehensible display of intolerance is a sobering reminder that no suburb or city is immune to the virus of racism.”
Northern Beaches Council was notified about the graffiti and a council spokeswoman told the Daily Mail that staff had removed the graffiti.
“The council takes this type of offensive graffiti very seriously. Our staff respond quickly to offensive graffiti and remove it as quickly as possible,” the spokeswoman said.
Northern Beaches Council has been notified of the graffiti and a spokeswoman said staff are working to remove it (stock image of Dee Why beach)
‘If you see graffiti in local parks, playgrounds and public spaces, please report it to the council.’
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.