Essendon and Moonee Valley: Search for man after tyre-slashing spree

Police have slammed a “senseless and random” damage spree which saw dozens of residents wake to find their tyres had been slashed.

Dozens of Moonee Valley and Essendon residents woke on Friday to discover their vehicles had been targeted by a vandal overnight in a “senseless attack”.

Police say about 40 to 50 vehicles were damaged between 9pm and 10pm on Thursday night after a man went street to street slashing tyres.

“We’re still having victims contact us, so at this point the investigation is ongoing and we can’t provide an update on the number,” First Constable Courtney Rudd said.

First Constable Courtney Rudd of the Moonee Valley Crime Investigation Unit. Picture: Liam Beatty.

“It‘s a complete random attack, there’s been a vast amount of cars targeted in this random senseless act.”

Police have obtained footage of the man damaging cars with a knife but have urged anyone in the area to check their CCTV cameras.

Investigators have been told at least 40 vehicles had their tyres slashed in Buckley, Salisbury, and Primrose streets in Essendon, and Montague St in Moonee Ponds.

Const. Rudd said police were “extremely confident” the offender would be found and charged.

“The financial impact its going to have on Moonee Ponds residents is extremely disappointing,” she said.

One of the victims of the attack, Phillip Johnston had three tyres on two vehicles slashed.

More than 40 vehicles were damaged in a tyre-slashing spree in Moonee Ponds on September 29. Picture: Liam Beatty.

“It’s just a headache and the last thing any one of us in the area should have to deal with,” he said.

“Luckily most of my neighbours weren't hit but now I have to go through the insurance process and buy new tyres. It’s a pain.”

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.