QUINCY, Mass. (AP) – Vandals spray-painted swastikas on several landmarks in downtown Quincy and painted over the Jesus figure in a nativity scene in front of city hall, police said.

It was the second time in as many years that the nativity scene has been defaced. Last year, a 17-year-old was charged with stealing the baby Jesus figure, which later was found on the banks of the Town River. Police discovered the latest act of vandalism late Wednesday night.

They also found a racial slur spray-painted on McIntyre Mall, in front of city hall, and white swastikas painted on a nearby sidewalk and car.

“We’re taking it very seriously,” Police Capt. John Dougan told The Patriot-Ledger newspaper of Quincy.

The Jesus figure, worth an estimated $3,500, was paid for by Roman Catholic churches in the city. The churches’ nativity scene replaced a city-owned display three years ago.

AP-ES-12-15-05 1844EST