Anti-SUV extremist group strikes in Australia, tyres deflated in Melbourne

A radical group of anti-SUV climate extremists have reportedly deflated the tyres of more than a dozen large cars in Melbourne’s south-east – though they could face financial penalties and even jail time if caught.

As reported by Nine News Melbourne, residents of Toorak were allegedly targeted late on Thursday night and early Friday morning last week, with approximately 20 SUVs and 4x4s having at least one tyre deflated.

On social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), ‘The Tyre Extinguishers’ – a group which believes the eradication of SUVs would improve the climate, public health and safety – took responsibility for the deflations, claiming it had attacked more vehicles than reported by Nine News.

The self-described ‘leaderless group’ recently claimed responsibility for an attack on a Jaguar dealership in the UK, where members reportedly cut the tyres of “at least 60” vehicles held at the showroom.  

While the UK attack was in retaliation for a fatal car crash involving a Land Rover SUV, the tyre deflations in Melbourne were nothing more than an attempt to draw attention to its cause by targeting motorists in one of Australia’s wealthiest suburbs.

Speaking to Nine News Melbourne, Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Farrugia said the alleged offender behind the attack could be charged with causing criminal damage if caught.

“(If) we do find some damage to either the tyres or the vehicles, we'll be looking at criminal damage,” Mr Farrugia told Nine News.

In Australia, penalties for criminal damage to cars vary between jurisdictions, though most states and territories can issue fines worth hundreds or even thousands of dollars, as well as terms of imprisonment.