By Riley Walter and Jessica McSweeney
Luxury car owners across Sydney are waking up to find expensive damage to their vehicles: spray-painted badges on the bonnets.
Some badges are painted bright red, others blue. Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs, and Porsches have all been targeted.
Police have launched Strike Force Opelika to investigate damage to luxury cars in Sydney’s east.
From Annandale in the inner west to Paddington and Darlinghurst east of the city, owners of the German-made cars have been left wondering who vandalised their vehicles and why they did so in such an oddly specific way.
Beyond the distinctive painting of just the bonnet badges, the only thing linking the crosstown graffiti spree appears to be the cars’ country of origin.
The bizarre vandalism has become such a concerning trend that NSW Police has launched Strike Force Opelika to investigate after a number of incidents were reported.
A string of German-made luxury cars has been targeted.
Between 7pm Tuesday and 9am Wednesday, cars on Victoria Street, Thompson Street and Surrey Street in Darlinghurst were spray-painted, police said.
At 6am on Wednesday, police were called to Boundary Street, Liverpool Street and Glenview Street in Paddington after further reports of damage to luxury vehicles. Strike Force Opelika detectives believe the incidents are linked.
On Thursday, police released an image of a man they believe may be able to help the investigation.
The man, who is of Caucasian appearance, is seen in the image holding what appears to be a can of spray paint as he approaches a car.
NSW Police believe this man can help with the investigation into the damaged cars.Credit: NSW Police
In the suburbs being targeted, residents are working to source CCTV or dashcam footage to try to identify the vandal or vandals.
Likewise, police are appealing to the public for help in identifying a perpetrator and asking for dashcam footage or any images.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kings Cross police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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