Oak Harbor police are investigating offensive graffiti left on a Walmart sign this week.

Someone spray-painted several swastikas and a racial slur on a sign located southwest of the store on Erie Street.

Police Chief Tony Slowik said officers contacted Walmart about the graffiti and obtained video that appears to show people associated with the incident. They have not yet been identified.

Slowik explained that the investigation will determine what type of crime may have been committed. While people who commit vandalism usually are charged with malicious mischief, the state has a hate crime statute that specifically discusses swastikas, although the language has been updated to “Nazi emblem, symbol or hakenkreuz.”

The chief said the intent of the graffiti and the intended victim matter in determining any charges, if the perpetrator or perpetrators are even identified.

Walmart has had a recent problem with juveniles shoplifting from the store. Slowik said officers are going to investigate whether they could be related to the incident, especially if spray paint was stolen.