Racist graffiti rampage reported in Royal Oak

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Vandals strike in Royal Oak spray-painting hateful graffiti on cars, garages, fences and a tree - with at least seven police reports last weekend.

Residents are working to restore peace to the normally quiet Royal Oak neighborhood.

"We just have to let people know we stand up against hate," said Brandon Kolo. 

Another resident says he saw the graffiti spray painted on his neighbor's tree.

"There was a Swastika painted in red," said Kenneth Lukosavich. “They covered it with paper in the morning and went up and got some cleaning supplies and had their son scrub it off."

And just before 6 a.m. Sunday, police received a report of a swastika spray-painted on a garage door in the 500 block of Woodcrest.

"It's always shocking," Kolo said. "It is absolutely shocking but it is expected. Hate and bigotry exists in this world and we have to root it out."

Police discovered a total of seven cases of graffiti some on garages, a tree, fences and a vehicle. Vandals even spray-painted the words "white power" to get their message across.

One resident used patriotism to cover up the graffiti painted on their garage by covering it with an American flag. Another woman says she and workers at a nearby apartment complex decided to paint over the signs of hate as quickly as possible.

"There was a lot of hate messages," said Tonya Morawski. "Swastikas, lot of things that said white power, very disturbing. It is not necessary."

Residents weren't the only one speaking out.  The city's mayor told Fox 2 in a statement:

"Royal Oak rejects racism and bigotry in all its forms.  We stand together and denounce these vile and cowardly acts."

If you have any information about this incident Royal Oak police (248-246-3500) want to hear from you.