Members of the Polish community say they are disturbed after a statue symbolizing freedom in Greenpoint was vandalized -- again.

The statue is of a Polish priest who was killed in 1984 by agents of the communist government in Poland. He has been recognized for his fight against the regime and his desire for freedom. For many in the community, he is a martyr, a symbol of freedom and liberty. 

The NYPD says it is investigating the incident as a potential act of hate. The statue has been up for nearly 30 years and was recently found covered in trash, with a garbage bag pulled over the priest's head. 

Leaders say they saw a drawing of a swastika, which is a painful symbol for many from Eastern Europe.

The statue has since been cleaned up, but activists say the worst part is that this is not the first or even the second time this has happened here.

They say a vandal previously cut the priest's head off and another time someone doused him in red paint.

Leaders say a gate has been put up around the square to ward off vandals. 

They say they want a security camera placed to face the statue to catch the vandals in the act. 

The Parks Department issued a statement saying "There’s no place for bias graffiti in our parks, and we condemn any and all acts of hatred. Our Parks Enforcement Patrol will continue to monitor the area and NYPD has been notified."