Enviro-vandals target ‘gas guzzler’ cars in wealthy enclave
An extremist environmental group has targeted one of Australia’s wealthiest suburbs, with SUV owners waking to find their tyres slashed and their cars undriveable.
Residents of Toorak in Melbourne woke on Friday to find the vandalised cars and an explanation note left on their windscreens detailing why SUVs are toxic to the environment.
The environmental group, Tyre Extinguishers, left those affected with a note alerting them: “Your gas guzzler kills.”
“We have deflated one or more of your tires,” the note reads.
“You’ll be angry, but don’t take it personally. It’s not you, it’s your car.
“We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others.
“SUVs and 4x4s are a disaster for our climate. SUVs are the second-largest cause of the global rise in carbon dioxide emissions over the past decade – more than the entire aviation industry.
“Even if you don’t care about the impacts on people far away from you, perhaps think about the impacts around your neighbourhood. SUVs cause far more air pollution than smaller cars.
“While the impacts on you so far have probably been minimal, every day millions of people are directly affected. Emergency action is needed to reduce emissions immediately.”
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said there had been several reports made following the group’s antics.
“At least 10 four-wheel drive and sports utility vehicles in the vicinity of Tintern Ave were tampered with,” she said.
“Notes were also left on the vehicles describing the environmental impact of these types of vehicles.
“The investigation is ongoing.”
Tintern Avenue was once home to Dame Nellie Melba, and Toorak is home to more members of The Australian’s Richest 250 list than anywhere else in the country.
Anyone who witnessed anything or with CCTV or other footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The group is well known in the UK and the US, yet it’s understood this is the first time the group have targeted Melbourne.
It lists instructions on its website about the best way to deflate an SUV tyre.
