Authorities are conducting a hate crime investigation at a Suffolk County senior center after a Halloween decoration was found hanging from a noose.

Police and people who reported the incident say a scarecrow from the front of the North Amityville Senior Center was moved around to the back and hung by a noose from a pergola.

Tommy Dixon used to work at the senior center and still lives in the town.

“They’re kind of upset, especially the seniors…” Dixon says. “They a little frightened.”

The incident happened between Friday and Monday, police say.

Town of Babylon Councilman DuWayne Gregory says finding a noose at the senior center, which is in a complex that also includes a youth center and day care, is not being taken lightly.

“It really saddens us but also is upsetting that some symbol of hate and violence like that would be found in a predominantly African American community.

In a statement to News 12, the town said in part: “In Babylon Town, our diversity is our strength, and we will work closely with the Suffolk County Hate Crimes Unit to find the cowards who did this.”

The town says it is stepping up public safety patrols in the area and it will meet with members of the center to hear any concerns and make sure they feel safe.

Suffolk police say anyone with information is asked to call Hate Crimes Unit detectives at 631-852-6553 or anonymously at Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.