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Swastikas Found Burned Into San Dimas Lawn, Nearby Street

SAN DIMAS (CBSLA) — Swastikas burned into the synthetic lawn of a home and a nearby street in San Dimas are being investigated Friday as a possible hate crime.

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(credit: CBS)

"It's disgusting, it is shameful," a neighbor said.

Ted Ferris and his wife walked out of their home Thursday morning to find what looked like swastikas burned into their synthetic lawn with some sort of corrosive material, possibly acid. The repairs to the lawn could cost between $6,000 and $7,000.

Ferris is understandably angry about the costly vandalism.

"Well I'd like to see them in my backyard for about 10 minutes," he said.

The family is not Jewish and the sheriff's department believes they were not targeted, but the vandalism is still being investigated as a possible hate crime.

Hours later, about a block away from the home, two more large swastikas were found etched into the asphalt of Valley Center Avenue. The city of San Dimas says it will cost about $5,000 to repave the roadway.

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(credit: CBS)

A woman driving by the scene was disgusted by the hateful symbol etched into the street.

"I think you're an idiot and I hope you get caught," she said.

Investigators believe the two cases of felony vandalism are connected and are looking for security video from the area for clues that will lead to the suspect or suspects.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Barger says she will ask for the approval of a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the vandal.

"These are blatant symbols of hate and violence that have a serious and troubling impact on everyone in our community," she said in a statement.

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