Scots SUV drivers wake to find vehicles vandalised by eco activists as police launch probe

An SUV was spray-painted by the Tyre Extinguishers
-Credit: (Image: Edinburgh Tyre Extinguishers)


Police have launched a probe after SUV drivers in Edinburgh woke to find their vehicles vandalised by eco activist.

It's understood around 20 cars were targeted with messages such as 'these cars kill' as well as mock surveys asking the public whether they feel large SUVs should be banned. Edinburgh's Tyre Extinguishers claimed responsibility for the overnight operation, which took place in the Moray Place area in the capital between Sunday and Monday.

As reported by Edinburgh Live, they argue the large SUVs are not only a danger to small children in urban areas but they are also damaging for the planet at a time when the UN has declared a climate crisis. Residents, however, said their street is continuously targeted with vehicles having tyres slashed on top of being vandalised. Police Scotland said they are investigating the various incidents.

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The group claim to have targeted 20 vehicles in the area
The group claim to have targeted 20 vehicles in the area -Credit:Edinburgh Tyre Extinguishers

Volunteer at the group, Liam, said: "The people who drive these Chelsea tractors have assumed it as their right to dominate our streets and poison our planet. SUVs are ruining more than just Edinburgh. If SUVs were a country they’d be the world’s 5th-most polluting.

"As Valencians, Floridians and Brazilians continue to grapple with the cost of this year’s extreme weather, leaders at #COP29 make only dirty deals and empty promises. People are dying. We posted memorials of Izan & Rubén Matias, aged five & three, swept out of their father’s arms by Valencian floodwaters.

"Every single two-tonne street tank owner is sending a message they don't care about the damage they're causing. Time to hold them to account. If our spineless politicians won’t take meaningful action against emitters, then we will."

Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton said: “We have received several reports of cars being vandalised in Moray Place, Edinburgh. Enquiries are ongoing and we would encourage members of the public to call us immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously close to parked vehicles.”

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