Multiple Nazi swastikas sprayed on cars and properties in Wangaratta

Police were alerted to the orange graffiti on about 16 or 17 properties and cars on Friday morning.

Investigators believe the orange spray paint was used by two or more offenders between midnight and 5am.

Several swastikas have been sprayed, which recently became an offence in Victoria.

The incident has occurred just four days ahead of Anzac Day, while Thursday marked the 134^th anniversary of Adolf Hitler's birthday.

The date is often celebrated by neo Nazis.

Offenders who publicly display the Nazi symbol face fines of up to $22,000 or one year in jail.

Wangaratta RSL president Ash Power said nobody wanted to see the fascist symbol anywhere.

"We shouldn't have graffiti sprayed anywhere, particularly no cars," he said.

"Why don't people grow up and wake up to themselves?

"It shouldn't have happened at any time, but there are people who will connect the dots that it's nearly Anzac Day, given what the world went through in World War II.

"It's just disgraceful behaviour, it's stupid."

Police said the spray paint was used along streets on and near Murdoch Road and Mather Street.

Mayor Dean Rees said if youths were involved, they may not understand the hate behind the Nazi symbols but needed to be educated.

"There's no room for antisemitism and the vandalism of people's cars and private property is a horrible thing," he said.

"It's a terrible thing to have in my town.

"It's an absolute disgrace and these people should be ashamed.

"They should be named and shamed in court."

Cr Rees said the town didn't have many graffiti offences.

Council signs were spray painted in 2021 calling for Premier Dan Andrews to be hung, but said such incidents were rare.

"There's no place for it in our town," he said.

"This will cost ratepayers if it's on public property.

"For people to have their cars and properties targeted when times are tough is not a good look.

"It's just not right."

There area has a large number of public housing properties and has previously been targeted by vandals.

Cars had windows, mirrors, number plates and panels sprayed, along with fences and bins.

Offensive phrases were also sprayed on the vehicles.

One of the targeted properties is a Greek orthodox church.

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Several victims have also taken steps to remove the graffiti.

Some of the offending was caught on CCTV.

Anyone with information about the offenders can call Wangaratta police on (03) 5723 0888 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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