Source : Perth Now news
A historic defence site in the Albany Forts precinct has been defaced with racist and anti-Semitic graffiti tags, in an act of vandalism described by the Albany mayor as “completely at odds” with community sentiment.
The offensive vandalism, created in blue spay paint, spoils the interior and exterior walls of the Plantagenet Battery on Mt Irrerup/Adelaide as well as nearby granite rocks.
Among the horrific tags are offensive racial terms, references to Adolf Hitler and Jeffery Epstein, and numerous swastikas.
One particularly heinous tag incites sexual violence against Jewish people.
The vandalism was spotted by Albany resident Emmanuelle Lamond as she walked through the area on Sunday morning.
“As this is a public area any person going for a walk could come across, I was horrified to discover this,” she said.
“I am assuming it was done as an offensive joke, most likely by teenagers and not intended to be taken seriously.
“However, it is very disappointing and sad to see especially on such a beautiful walk.
“Many families and their children walk past this area.”
Plantagenet Battery is one of two underground magazines located below the Princess Royal Fortress.
It was built in the 1890s to store shells, ammunition, explosives and cordite required to fire the coastal guns that protected the harbour.
Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the city was informed about the graffiti about 10.30am on Monday.
“Given the highly offensive nature of the graffiti, its removal was immediately prioritised, and the matter has been reported to local police,” he said.
“Albany is a welcoming and inclusive community, and there is no place for anti-Semitism or any form of hate.
“This incident is completely at odds with our community’s values, and we unequivocally reject hatred, intolerance and discrimination in all its forms.
“Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact police.”
