Windows smashed, Virgin Mary toppled outside Hamilton church

The Hamilton Police Service says it’s aware of a string of vandalism that took place overnight Sunday at a local church. It appears that the damage was done by one man wearing a toque and a reflective vest.

Police told hamilton.insauga.com that they were notified of the incident by St. Patrick’s on Sunday and that it occurred shortly after 2 a.m.

A damage estimate has not been submitted to police, but the Roman Catholic church, located at the corner of King St. and Victoria Ave., believes it’s in the neighbourhood of $25,000.

The statue of the Virgin Mary outside St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Hamilton.

Surveillance video of the incident was submitted to CHCH News. It shows a man that appears to be in his 50s throwing a brick toward the church. He can also be seen ripping a statue of the Virgin Mary out of its base before toppling it over.

While police have not identified a motive, it’s at least notable that St. Patrick’s Church was vandalized during a weekend in which St. Patrick’s Day was being celebrated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.