The Barrington Police Department is investigating an act of vandalism that was spotted on Wednesday, March 1: Someone burned a swastika onto the information sign along the East Bay Bike Path near the intersection with New Meadow Road.

In response to the vandalism, police have increased patrols around Temple Habonim on New Meadow Road and near the Chabad House in town. 

Golf course was marred by swastikas more than a year ago.

While the Barrington Department of Public Works removed the damaged sign, other peaceful signs have popped up.

The signs — they shared messages such as "Together we stand!" and "We are all the same inside" and "Love Peace" — were created by families at Temple Habonim after they heard about the vandalism. The signs are tied to traffic sign posts near the intersection of New Meadow Road and the bike path.

Police are asking the public for any information "on the culprit(s) responsible for vandalizing the sign." The department's confidential tip line is 401-437-3933. The detectives can be reached at 401-437-3937.

Barrington Police Chief John LaCross said it is not clear what was used to burn the swastika onto the sign — "maybe a butane lighter or cigar lighter," he added. The chief said no threats had been called in at either Temple Habonim or Chabad House.