BOSTON — The hacking collective Anonymous is claiming credit for defacing the Boston Police Department's website.

A message posted Friday said, "Anonymous hacks Boston Police website in retaliation for police brutality at OWS." That's apparently a reference to the Occupy Wall Street protests.

A police spokesman would not confirm Anonymous was responsible.

Boston's Occupy movement against economic inequality set up camp in the city's financial district for two months last fall. Police dismantled the camp Dec. 10, citing public health and safety concerns.

Anonymous is a collection of Internet enthusiasts, pranksters and activists whose targets have included intelligence groups and law enforcement agencies.