Police hunt for man who damaged luxury cars with axe at dealerships – UPDATE

UPDATE, Monday 20 November 2023: A 27-year-old man has been charged by detectives from the Monash Crime Investigation Unit in relation to several cars that were allegedly damaged while parked at dealerships earlier this month.

Police say the Springvale man was arrested over the weekend and charged with criminal damage, possessing a dangerous article in a public place, and unlicensed driving.

The original story continues unchanged below.

Tuesday 14 November 2023: Victoria Police are searching for a man after he left a trail of destruction at dealerships in Melbourne's southeast.

According to police, approximately 20 vehicles were damaged by an axe during the rampage, which occurred between 6am and 8am on Thursday 2 November 2023.

Drive understands the vehicles were located at Waverley BMW, and neighbouring dealerships Volvo Cars Waverley and Waverley Volkswagen – all located on Springvale Road in Glen Waverley.

The suspect is described as being 175cm tall with black curly hair. He was wearing a tan-coloured hoodie and pants, and sandals.

Vehicle bodies and windscreens were smashed using the axe – including a rare BMW i8, of which just 155 were sold in Australia – before the man fled on foot.

Police are urging any witnesses or those with dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential report by clicking here.