Northcote by-election 2017: Vince Fontana furious after vandal defaces billboards

A NORTHCOTE by-election candidate is furious after a vandal defaced several campaign billboards — and he’s hoping CCTV footage will help catch the perpetrator.

One of Vince Fontana’s vandalised billboards. Picture: Supplied

POLICE are investigating after a vandal drew devil horns, breasts and bikini lines on campaign billboards for Northcote by-election candidate Vince Fontana.

Mr Fontana, a former Darebin mayor, reported the vandalism to cops last week after the billboards were defaced outside his Thornbury home and a property on St Georges Rd, Northcote.

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He obtained CCTV footage from his home security camera of a bald man he suspects of carrying out the attack, which he shared with the Leader and police.

The vandal struck on posters outside Mr Fontana’s home in Thornbury, and at another location on St Georges Rd in Northcote. Picture: Supplied

Mr Fontana, a former Darebin mayor, is running in the November 18 by-election as an independent. Picture: Supplied

Mr Fontana said a friend also had footage of what is believed to be the same man carrying out the attacks in St Georges Rd, claiming the offender drew breasts and bikini lines on him.

“It’s silly and disappointing,” Mr Fontana said.

“Examples such as this demonstrate the concerns I have for community safety in relation to vandalism and destruction of private property.”

Mr Fontana, who is running in the November 18 by-election as an independent, also claimed seven of his corflutes had been stolen since his campaign began.

Northcote acting sergeant Simon Webber confirmed Mr Fontana reported the attacks to police on November 1 and officers were investigating.

Sgt Webber said officers found devil horns and writing on both signs and suspected the attacks could be connected.

Offenders found guilty of graffiti on private property face up to 10 years in jail.

Sgt Webber asked anyone with information on the attacks to contact Northcote Police on 9403 0200.