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Mike Foderick's Liberal lawn sign in support of Gerard Kennedy will stand defiantly, he said, despite the fact that his house was hit by acts of vandalism last weekend.

His house, on the northeast corner of Geoffrey Street and Roncesvalles Avenue was defaced by graffiti - an 'L' was painted on the garage, a peep hole on the side door was sprayed over and the TV cable along the side wall was cut. Fortunately, Foderick doesn't own a vehicle. He said his friend Andrew Krupowicz discovered his car's brake lines were cut Saturday night. He also has a lawn sign out front supporting Kennedy.

"My first reaction was just shock," Foderick told The Villager. "I'm used to people having political opinions, but not taking it out on personal property. It makes you feel nervous."

On the other hand, Foderick said he feels like he has to take a stand.

"Personally, I think we've got to stand up and be even louder. When things like this happen, it's important we don't shrink away," he said.

Eleven Division Staff Sgt. Philip VanAndel said police officers have heightened their patrol in the neighbourhoods in Parkdale - High Park and St. Paul's. He is encouraging the community to be watchful, to report any suspicious individual or act. The investigation continues. At this point, police won't divulge any details.

"I wouldn't want to accuse anyone without proof," Foderick said. "I don't want to speculate publicly, but we have our suspicions. Whoever's done this, it's outrageous. It offends basic standards of decency. Thankfully, no one lost his life - having your cable cut is an inconvenience. What happened to my neighbour - that's a case of life and death."

Foderick said that someone suggested that the vandals were targeting prominent people in the party. Foderick is area coordinator for the Liberal party. He also appears in one of Kennedy's campaign brochures.

"I certainly hope I wasn't targeted specifically. Hopefully, it was random to some degree," he said. "This type of behaviour in any context is outrageous."

Jason Easton, Kennedy's campaign manager said that it seems someone is looking to disrupt the election process.

"Almost everybody who had vandalism perpetrated against them called our office," he said.

Kennedy called these acts "deeply disturbing" and asked that residents take extra precautions to ensure their personal safety.

"I don't begrudge anyone who wants to take down their sign if that's what they need to do to feel safe," Foderick said. "I'm not intimidated. If they do it again, I'll put out two signs."

Anyone with information about these criminal activities is asked to contact 11 Division at 416-808-1100.