A man has been charged after allegedly being caught “in the act” displaying a Nazi symbol in Sydney.
NSW Police arrested a 37-year-old man in Sydney’s eastern suburbs last night after patrolling officers spotted him allegedly displaying a Nazi symbol.
Premier Chris Minns said the arrest is a testament to the vigilant policing under Strike Force Pearl.
“This individual was caught in the act… I think it’s a demonstration of how active police are,” Minns said.
Police Commissioner Karen Webb said officers will allege in court that items were found on the man that suggested he had displayed a Nazi symbol.
“Police identified that person who was carrying implements soon after the event,” Webb said.
“There was content on a sticker and other materials that were defaced and used, it’s different [to] we’ve seen in terms of spray painting, but nonetheless it’s a Nazi symbol
“It is a zero tolerance [policy], whilst it’s a different methodology it doesn’t mean one is better or worse, it’s still a significant matter.”
Minns also said his government is looking at introducing hate crime reforms in NSW and boosting penalties for offenders.
“We all have to stand together against this naked racism and antisemitism.”
It comes as NSW Police have double patrols of schools, places of worship and communities across the city.
“Children shouldn’t feel scared to go to school, people shouldn’t feel afraid to go to prayer or practice their religion,” Webb said.
“The extra investigators under Strike Force Pearl means those who commit antisemitic acts will be caught and brought before the courts.
“I want to reassure the Jewish community that we will do everything we can to find the perpetrators of these hateful crimes.”
Webb said Police resources have been placed primarily in the eastern suburbs as that’s where the majority of the attacks are happening.