Tradie's wild attack on mobile speed camera van caught on CCTV
The incident, which took place in Adelaide this week, is the latest in which Australians have been caught vandalising the controversial devices.
Police are on the hunt for a man who allegedly slashed the tyres of a mobile speed camera van in broad daylight, in what appears to be yet another example of disgruntled Australians taking destructive action against the devices.
The van was positioned along Birdwood Terrace in North Plympton, in Adelaide's south-east — a stretch of road known for speeding — when the brazen alleged attack occurred. There was reportedly even an officer inside the parked vehicle at the time, although they seemingly didn't notice the crime take place right under their nose.
CCTV shared by 9News shows the tradie, in high visibility attire, stroll down the street, before stopping at the van and quickly slashing its front and back tyres. He checks over his shoulder once before leaning down and cutting through the rubber, before walking off.
Latest speed camera attack reflects concerning trend
Locals say, drivers often speed along the road, which has a limit of 50km/h, and regularly has mobile cameras deployed in the area.
Police are investigating the incident and have urged members of the public who recognise the man to come forward without delay. An SA Police spokesperson told Yahoo News Australia on Friday morning that so far, no charges have been laid.
The act of vandalism is far from the first time Australians have been sprung tampering with mobile speed cameras, with similar incidents recently taking place all over the country.
In January, Victoria Police shared footage of a masked man launching a frenzied attack against a mobile speed camera. He was seen producing a hammer and attempting to smash the vehicle’s windows.
In July, authorities in Tasmania revealed they were overhauling their mobile speed camera rollout, after multiple suspected arson attacks on the devices.
Alarming reason for state’s new mobile speed camera strategy
Locals face $300,000 bill as roadside CCTV cameras destroyed by vandals
Late last month, video surfaced allegedly showing about a dozen young men, most seen covering their face with a balaclava or hood, pushing over a camera trailer before swinging on the boom and appearing to hit it. The incident took place in Townsville in Queensland, with the total replacement cost is estimated to be more than $300,000 to ratepayers.
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