Racist graffiti defaces eight municipal cars in Rødding

Eight municipal vehicles in Rødding were covered in racist words overnight, in what police suspect may be linked to earlier vandalism, DR reports.

The town in Southern Jutland has seen a series of incidents in recent weeks, including racist messages painted on buildings and cars. “There is a pattern similar to previous vandalism, so our hypothesis is that the incidents may be connected,” said Søren Vraa Larsen, a deputy police inspector with South and Southern Jutland Police.

Police invited residents to join a safety walk through the town on Monday afternoon to discuss ideas for making the community feel safer. Residents also held a torchlit walk two weeks ago to protest vandalism, but further incidents have taken place since then.

Last week, a firecracker exploded, damaging the windows and a door at a pizzeria. New racist messages were also painted on several windows.

“We will not let ourselves be pressured by people who think that people from other countries should not be in Rødding. It is a town for everyone,” said 19-year-old resident Marius Kjeld Finderup, who joined Monday’s walk.

Police said they hoped the walk would generate ideas for preventing vandalism. Finderup said the involvement of police and the municipality mattered to young people because it made them feel seen. He said he felt safe in the town, while recognising that others found it harder.