‘Cowardly’ attack on camera operator

Police are probing a “cowardly” attack on a road safety officer at St Leonards.

Police are hunting a masked man who attacked a road safety camera officer’s car with a metal pole after wedging the front tyres between two nail filled pieces of wood.

The female officer, employed by private company SERCO, was inside her unmarked car which was parked along Murradoc Rd at St Leonards about 3.50pm on Monday.

The company has a contract with the Department of Justice and Community Safety and the woman was operating a mobile speed camera at the time.

Geelong Highway Patrol Sergeant Fletcher Pearson said the unknown male approached the car and placed a piece of wood under the front tyres of the car.

Images show the wood was hammered with nails which would spike the tyres if driven over.

“When the man was confronted by the officer he smashed the side mirrors and the aerial with a metal pole before running off,” Sergeant Pearson said.

“The matter has been reported to our members and we are currently investigating.”

Sergeant Pearson said the operator was “very vulnerable” and police were determined to track down the offender.

The man was reportedly wearing a mask, hat, sunglasses and dark clothing and his identity remains unknown.

“We are appealing to any witnesses to come forward,” Sergeant Pearson said.

The Community and Public Sector Union, of which is the victim is a member, slammed the incident as a “cowardly attack”.

A supplied image of the planks with nails placed under the car. Picture: SUPPLIED

Spokesman Julian Kennelly said operators were regularly targeted by violent offenders.

“All too common,” he said.

“(This was a) cowardly act of violence targeting a worker but they will be found and fully prosecuted.

“They’ve attempted to disable the state vehicle but fortunately the officer outsmarted this thug.

“Vision of the attack is available to assist the police.”

SERCO was approached for comment by the Geelong Advertiser but did not provide a response by deadline. 

A Department of Justice and Community Safety spokeswoman slammed the behaviour.

“This kind of behaviour is inexcusable and the matter has been referred to Victoria Police to investigate,” she said.

“Mobile road safety camera operators are doing an important job to help deter dangerous drivers on our roads and every employee deserves to do their job safely.

“Victoria’s road safety camera program plays a critical role in changing driver behaviour, preventing road trauma and reducing the number of lives lost on our roads.”

Originally published as ‘Cowardly’ attack on camera operator