Torque Petroleum Campbelltown: Family-run petrol station vandalised, fuel hoses cut, racist graffiti sprayed

A family-run petrol station in Sydney’s southwest has been left “mortified and disgusted” after vandals cut fuel hoses and scrawled offensive graffiti on its walls.

A petrol station in Sydney’s southwest had its fuel hoses cut and racist graffiti sprayed across the walls in what the owners have described as a “gutless cowardly act.”

The business was targeted in an overnight attack, with spray paint reading: “Die Aussies dogs, I hate Aus, Lebanon all the way.”

The attack on Torque Petroleum Campbelltown on Lindesay St left the service station unable to operate at full capacity, with the owners expressing heartbreak over the incident.

Owners Gee and George, who did not want to give their surname, said they were “mortified and disgusted” after finding thousands of dollars in damages on Wednesday morning.

“We’ve only just reopened four weeks ago, after rebuilding for two years due to an accidental fire,” Gee said.

CCTV captured the suspect spray painting graffiti.

“We try to, you know, do the best for our community, and then we have people like this who, you know, sabotage everything.”

She said the technician repairing the bowsers was “shocked at how stupid” the assailant was having used a grinder tool to cut the hoses.

“He could’ve done a number on himself with the fumes. It’s so dangerous, he could’ve blown up everything,” she said.

The graffitied bowser was “out of order” on Wednesday.

Graffiti was covered with cupboard as the petrol station resumed business.

Gee said it had been hard on the family rebuilding the business but the incident had left her “speechless”.

Despite operating at a reduced capacity after 10 of their fuel bowsers were cut, business was booming at the local service station on Wednesday as the community turned out to show support.

“So heartwarming to see all the support from the community. You know, we’ve had already hundreds of our customers just running in today, just hugging us, making sure we’re okay,” Gee said.

Long-term customer Scott Bulkley shared his disappointment for the family “that’s already been through so much”.

“Me and George go way back to when his old servo burnt down, which was really, really sad. But to hear that, you know, he’s not even a couple of months in and someone’s come along and vandalised his stuff … it’s just not fair,” Mr Bulkley said.

“It’s just wrong but unfortunately these are the times we’re living in, there’s no respect anymore. It’s just really sad.”

Earlier, the owners took to Facebook to express their shock.

“This is a family-run business, and to have to deal with these things in today’s living is so heartbreaking,” West Side Campbelltown said on Facebook.

“We are trying to do the right thing by our community to provide everyday low prices on a very essential cost of living expense, and to have this happen by someone in our community is very sad.”

A suspect captured cutting the hose at the bowser. Picture: West Side Campbelltown

“Die Aussie Dogs” was also spray painted. Picture: West Side Campbelltown

A petrol station in Sydney’s southwest has been forced to close after vandals cut the fuel hoses at the bowser and sprayed racist graffiti on its walls. Picture: Supplied

The graffiti, which included racist slurs, was discovered on Wednesday morning when staff arrived at the site.

NSW Police have commenced an investigation.

“Police are hoping to speak to a man seen at the time of the incident,” a NSW Police spokeswoman said.

“The man is described as aged between 20 to 30, wearing dark clothing, with a blue coloured helmet on, and riding a blue and black trail bike.

“Anyone with information about the incident, CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

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Originally published as Torque Petroleum Campbelltown: Family-run petrol station vandalised, fuel hoses cut, racist graffiti sprayed