UPDATE: Rainbow flag thefts in Oakwood lead to support from neighbors

OAKWOOD — A series of thefts involving rainbow flags in Oakwood has the victims frustrated and neighbors showing their support.

“Now is no time to be silent,” said Christopher Smith, one of the people who had his flag stolen this past weekend. “I considered it a hate crime.”

Oakwood police said they are still looking into whether the thefts would be considered a hate crime.

The thefts were reported to police on East Peach Orchard and Aberdeen avenues over the weekend.

Smith said one of his neighbors hadn’t flown a rainbow flag in the past, however following the thefts she has one up now.

Nancy Nicholas also lives in the city and said she also had a flag taken.

“Pride month came up and we put a little flag in my garden and it was there for the whole month until last Friday,” Nicholas told News Center 7’s Molly Koweek. “I will never be in the closet again and I'm proud and I love my partner, my partner loves me.”

Police said they are still actively working to find who is responsible, before prosecutor’s can determine if the thefts would be considered a hate crime.