The spraying of a St George’s Cross on a clothes bank outside a mosque is being investigated by police as a ‘hate crime’.
A cross was painted outside the Al-Majid Centre in Northumberland Avenue in Reading and reported to Thames Valley Police at around 6.20am on August 25.
It was removed, but another was sprayed on the bank and reported to police at around 11pm on the same day.
Regardless of what symbols are being painted, painting on public infrastructure is a criminal offence, police said, and will be investigated as such.
Police said they will “balance the write to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime and enforce law”.
No one has been arrested for the graffiti.
It comes as a series of St George’s flags have been painted and hung in towns and communities across the UK, believed to be part of an organised effort called Operation Raise the Colours.
"Painting on the highway, including roundabout markings, constitutes an offence of criminal damage and will be investigated appropriately as well as being flagged to the relevant highway authority,” a Thames Valley Police spokesperson said.
"Regardless of the symbols involved or sentiment being expressed.
"Any incidents involving flags being attached to or flown from structures that are publicly owned will generally be referred to the local authority for them to assess and respond appropriately, unless there are other associated criminal offences."
Many instances of flags being raised or crosses being painted are being carried out by ordinary people inspired by posts and videos on social media.
Residents in Manchester Road, Tower Hamlets, saw St George’s Flags line the street last month, close to The Britannia Hotel in Canary Wharf, which has been the subject of protests in recent weeks.
Some residents said they felt “terrified” and “intimidated” by the flags being raised, while others said it was “disgraceful” that they had been taken down.
The Prime Minister said he is “very encouraging” of people flying national flags, but said they can be devalued when flown “purely for divisive purposes”.
If you’ve seen a St George’s Cross painted in your town, email megan.howe@standard.co.uk
