Man sparks fierce debate after spray painting 'abandoned' car in beachside street
The car in a Manly street in Sydney was spray-painted by a resident who wanted the car removed.
A man could face up to two years behind bars and an $11,000 fine over his "shocking" retaliation on a well-known street in a Sydney beach suburb.
In a series of images, the man — holding a can of yellow spray paint — can be seen standing in front of a dark blue car believed to have been abandoned on Malvern Avenue in Manly.
Across the bonnet of the Mitsubishi, which has unregistered Queensland number plates, are the words: ‘PLEASE REMOVE RANGER’.
Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Northern Beaches councillor Vincent De Luca said “council is investigating the matter” while “many have claimed that the owner of the vehicle is in hospital”.
“Once the facts are established, council will take appropriate action,” he said.
While a spokesperson from Northern Beaches Council confirmed to Yahoo News on Tuesday afternoon rangers have checked out the vehicle and spoken with a man who is one of two people storing items in the car.
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Car may belong to a homeless man
They also indicated the man may be homeless, adding that staff are continuing to liaise with homeless outreach services to engage these individuals and offer assistance in finding accommodation.
Council is also working to remove the vehicle, as it is viewed as a public amenity issue affecting the environment, under the Public Spaces (unattended Property) Act 2021.
The spokesperson explained council has initiated the removal of the vehicle which involves applying a notice on the vehicle and sending a letter to the registered owner indicating it will be removed following an 18-day review.
Police say penalties could apply for damage to car
While NSW Police say the incident hasn’t been reported to them, spray painting someone’s car would “be considered malicious damage” which carries significant penalties.
“Damage to property over $5,000 [could result in] a term of imprisonment of up to 24 months, and/or a fine up to $11,000,” a police spokesperson told Yahoo News. “Damage to property less than $5,000 [could result in] a term of imprisonment of up to 12 months, and/or a fine up to $5,500. If damage to the property is less than $2,000, the maximum fine is $2,200.
“However, a complaint would have to be received from the owner, and from the photo it appears that the vehicle may have been abandoned.”
Act sparks online debate
The man’s actions have sparked a fierce debate online and divided the local community which appears torn over whether or not he did the right thing.
“They leave trash heap cars like this in the street for years and do nothing, good on him!” one person wrote on Facebook, praising the man for “doing a hero's work”. “At least [it] being even more an eyesore, the council may be forced to move it.”
“Not all heroes wear capes,” someone else added.
While others expressed frustration over the “coward act” of “pure vandalism”.
“How the f**k do people think they’ve got a right to do stuff like this!” another wrote. “People deserve a slap for this type of s**thouse behaviour. Far from a hero. It’s criminal damage.”
“How bad is this?!” someone else asked. “Why do people go so far? This used to be a friendly community.”
Others defended the owner of the vehicle, which has a smashed in windscreen.
“You don’t know their circumstances and with the current financial climate we are in, it may also be their home,” someone commented.
“I’ve seen what he has done to this car and it looks like someone could have been living in it,” another local said. “It’s actually really shocking that he would do is.”
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