BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — Buffalo Police are investigating the theft of Puerto Rican flags along Niagara Street, just days before the Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY.
In a statement Sunday, the Buffalo Police Department said it is aware of the theft and will be working with parade organizers to file a report. Investigators plan to review available evidence, including street camera footage, as part of their search for whoever is responsible.
Parade president Charles Torres said he drove down Niagara Street recently and noticed the flags were missing.
"Unfortunately, we were a little disheartened last week when we saw a number of our flags were stolen from, specifically the Puerto Rican flags," he said.
Torres said every year these flags go up, they carry far more meaning than decoration; they stand as a symbol of community and unity.
WATCH: Puerto Rican flags stolen from Niagara Street in Buffalo ahead of annual parade
"Whatever the intentions were of whoever did this, let me tell you that it's gone totally the opposite," Torres said. "Whatever the intentions were, we have received so many calls and support, so many Facebook postings. It's just heart-warming to see the community standing together against this horrible act."
The Puerto Rican and Hispanic Day Parade of WNY shared the news in a Facebook post over the weekend, calling the theft “saddening and disheartening.”
“All of the flags we put up along Niagara Street have been stolen,” the post reads. “These flags are more than just decorations; they’re a powerful symbol of our cultural pride and a signal to everyone that the parade is coming. It’s a shame that someone would be so selfish as to take something that means so much to our community.”
Acting Mayor Chris Scanlon said police are investigating the theft of about a dozen flags.
"They are working the case, looking up and down Niagara Street for different cameras, things like that, and they'll hopefully piece things together. Because, again, this is a week where we should be celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage and contributions to Buffalo, not talking about things like this," Scanlon said.
Torres said the theft won't deter the celebrations this weekend and from everyone putting their pride on display.
"We're happy to say the flags will be hoisted up later this week so that setback won't hurt us," he said.
Police are asking anyone with information to call their confidential tip line at (716) 847-2255.
