Mobile speed camera operator’s car tyres slashed in Point Lonsdale

Police are hunting an offender who smashed in the windows of a mobile speed camera car in what’s been described as “ridiculous high-end criminal behaviour”.

A mobile speed camera car has been attacked in Point Lonsdale on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Superintendent David Griffin, Road Policing Enforcement Division said anyone who “interferes” with operators will feel the “full force” of investigation and apprehension.

“It is ridiculous high-end criminal behaviour, we won’t put up with it,” he said.

“Attacks on operators and their vehicles are really harmful to the broader road safety program that we’re running.”

Superintendent Griffin said police rely on operators to help keep Victorian roads safe and that attacks on them were “cowardly”.

“We are investigating seriously these incidents, and we’re hopeful of some arrest in the not too distant future.”

Police on Thursday morning said an unidentified offender smashed the windows of the traffic camera car and slashed its tyres at about 8.50pm on Wednesday.

The car, which is owned and operated by the Department of Justice, was parked on the side of the Bellarine Highway at the time of the attack.

Sergeant Megan Stefanec said the camera operator was unharmed and managed to drive away.

“Fortunately the camera operator managed to drive away and was uninjured in the incident,” she told 3AW on Thursday morning.

Investigators were told an unidentified offender approached the stationery vehicle, parked on the side of the Bellarine Highway, about 8.50pm.

It is understood the windows of the car were smashed before all four tyres were slashed.

The incident is the latest in a spate of attacks on speed camera vehicles and operators.

On Anzac Day, a female road safety camera operator was inside her car when it was attacked by a masked man wielding a metal pole in the nearby town of St Leonards.

The following month, another operator was targeted in Tullamarine, with another vehicle stalking him before its occupants jumped out and attacked his car, Community and Public Sector Union spokesperson Julian Kennelly said.

“He (the operator) was in the process of shifting locations … and a vehicle followed him down the road for five or 10 minutes,” he said.

“He pulled over … and then both (the people in the other vehicle) jumped out of the vehicle and ran towards his vehicle launching pieces of wood at the camera’s car. Quite frightening.”

Mr Kennelly said there was also a “serial pest” in Parkdale, who had been interfering with operators for the last 14 months.

“The police keep sending our operators back to this location (in Parkdale) where this particular person takes much pleasure in pulling his car right up behind the camera vehicle … and including on some occasions stacking two wheelie bins on top of each other to block the camera,” he said.

The camera operator managed to drive away and was uninjured in the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with dash-cam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

Police haven’t ruled out that the offences have been committed by the same individual.

“These things are rare so to have four in months is unusual,” said Superintendent Griffin.

“So we’re looking at whether it is the same person.”

The penalty offense for obstructing, hindering, abusing or interfering with a mobile speed camera operator carries a maximum penalty of over $10,000.

A spokesperson for private company SERCO, which has a contract with the Department of Justice and Community Safety to provide officers to operate road safety cameras, told the Herald Sun they were “deeply concerned” about the recent attacks against its operators.

“Our operators play an important role in helping keep our roads safe; no one should be subjected to this type of behaviour while at work,” the spokesperson said.

“Our primary concern right now is for our employees’ care, wellbeing and safety, and we are working closely with Victoria Police to find those responsible.”

The Herald Sun has approached the Department of Justice for comment.

Police are encouraging anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any information contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.