Tyre slash horror

By Sarah Schwager
A SPATE of daylight tyre slashings in Springvale has locals concerned about parking their cars in the area.
According to police, tyres were cut on more than 40 cars in car parks around Springvale Shopping Centre, Springvale Library, the Springvale council offices and in Hillcrest Grove.
Police said 150 tyres were slashed between 10am and 4pm on Saturday, and some on Sunday, with an estimated repair bill of $20,000.
Heritage Hill functions officer Kristy Dyson had one of her tyres slashed on Sunday when she was attending a City of Greater Dandenongsponsored seminar at the Springvale council offices.
“It was more of an inconvenience than anything,” Ms Dyson said. “It was such a mindless, silly thing to do.”
Ms Dyson had to have the car fingerprinted and visit the crime desk at Dandenong Police.
She said after the first incidences on Saturday, people were constantly checking the car park but that had not deterred the vandals.
“I got there at 10am (on Sunday) and when I came out at noon, my tyre had been slashed,” Ms Dyson said.
Greater Dandenong mayor Maria Sampey said she was shocked after hearing about the incident.
“It’s a disgraceful act of vandalism,” Cr Sampey said. “It’s going to cost people a lot of money.
“Many of these people were inside the library at a conference about how to attract government grants for community groups, and this is what happens. It’s disgusting.”
Cr Sampey said she thought the council should have security cameras.
“Sometimes I have latenight meetings and you’re in the car park all alone,” she said. “We need to do something about that.”
Dandenong North resident Ray Carter, who also attended the seminar, said he was concerned even though his tyres were not slashed.
“Because two tyres were slashed on (most cars), they could not simply put their spare tyre on, but had to be towed away,” he said. “As you can imagine, there was much inconvenience to the victims.”
Mr Carter said he felt extremely lucky his car was okay, but at the time had been worried.
“I moved my car to a location in a side street outside a house, with the thought that the council car park was not a safe place to park,” he said.
Mr Carter said the council should consider reimbursing those who had their tyres slashed.
“I’m sure that everyone felt unsafe parking their cars in that car park after that incident, and would not feel safe parking there again at least until the culprit or culprits are identified,” he said.
Mr Carter said the council should also consider hiring a security guard if there were meetings planned at Springvale.
Senior Sergeant Greg Dixon at Springvale Police said inquiries were still continuing, and the figure could be higher as some may not have been reported.
Police urge anyone who had their tyres slashed or who may have seen anything to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.