A couple living in Hamilton have had their home and vehicle targeted with what police have called “hate-motivated” graffiti.

“This morning, when we woke up at about 5:30 a.m., we opened the door and found that someone had spray painted homophobic slurs,” Kevin Harris told CHCH News on Tuesday.

He adds that the damage was extensive and included his partner’s truck — which had its windshield shattered.

Harris says this is the third time this has happened in the last two weeks, and adds that it is progressively worsening each time.

Harris and his partner moved to downtown Hamilton over two years ago. He describes his experience, for the most part, as a positive one. “We have great neighbours, we certainly have not had any problems in this neighbourhood.”

But in the last two weeks, Harris says things have changed drastically.

“The first incident was our recycling,” Harris recalls. “Littered all over the roads, and then about a week later, our second incident which was last Thursday — someone took a can of blue paint and poured it on out the walkway and our front porch.”

Harris says he’s been afraid to leave his home and doesn’t want to let his guard down. “We know that he is out there, and we feel like he is watching us.”

City Councillor Cameron Kroetsch says he hopes this situation doesn’t get swept under the rug.

“I am really concerned about a potential hate incident. I know that we’re all concerned about those and I hope this is taken seriously.”