Police are searching for a man who they say of targeted a mosque in an alleged hate crime in Brooklyn Heights.

Investigators say the incident happened March 9 at the Islamic Mission of America on State Street. According to police, the suspect threw pages of the Quran onto the front steps of the mosque, then walked away.

Authorities say the man returned a short time later and smeared what appeared to be feces on the mosque’s front door before leaving the area.

The incident comes as hate crimes across New York City are on the rise. NYPD data shows hate crimes increased 152% in January compared to the same time last year.

Police are asking anyone who recognizes the suspect to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.