Man smashes Uber with hammer in alleged attack over price

A man has been captured using a hammer in an alleged attack against an Uber vehicle in Melbourne over a reported dispute over his fare.

Police have arrested a man after he allegedly took to an Uber vehicle with a hammer after reportedly having a dispute with his driver over his fare.

Disturbing footage allegedly showed the man using the object to smash through back window of the car while it was parked on Lalwa Street in Blackburn, east of Melbourne, Thursday morning.

Officers were called to the scene about 7.30am following reports an individual was using a hammer to damage the vehicle.

By the time police arrived, the man had left the scene. The driver was not injured in the violent incident.

A man used a hammer to smash up an Uber vehicle. Picture: 3AW

A 42-year-old man was arrested at a Canterbury Road shopping centre in Forest Hill about 1.30pm today without incident, police said.

He is currently being interviewed in relation to the matter.

The man reportedly purchased the hammer during the trip, with footage showing him removing it from the car’s boot before allegedly using it as a weapon.

Another man, believed to be the driver, was shown filming the incident as it unfolded.

Uber has condemned violence in the aftermath of the traumatic ordeal and offered the driver support.

“This is an absolutely shocking incident and we strongly condemn any criminal or violent activity,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

“Our thoughts are with the driver-partner as he recovers from this traumatic incident. We are in contact with him, and have offered our support.

The man had bought the hammer during his trip. Picture: 3AW

“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any type of violent behaviour and users found to have breached this policy may have their access to the app permanently removed.”

Violent and abusive behaviour was a clear breach of the company’s community guidelines, with drivers reminded to report similar instances of “appalling behaviour” to the app,

The man, understood to be from Queensland, was filmed wearing black shorts, a striped jumper, and no shoes.

Members of the public with information about the incident were encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.