Tyres slashed in Ringarooma rampage
• Unofficial reports indicate up to twelve cars have had their tyres slashed in Ringarooma last week.
By Taylor Clyne
December 11, 2019
In the space of twelve hours five residents in Ringarooma have had their car tyres slashed following a rampage by what appears to be a disgruntled former local last week.
Ringarooma Police received five official complaints of one tyre slashed on each car, however unofficial reports indicate up to twelve cars could have been targeted.
Local victim Jay Reilly said the incidents took place between East Maurice Road and Ruby Flats Road.
Ms Reilly and many others in the community believed the damage had been done by a group of children.
“If it’s kids, they have caused a lot of people who are already financially struggling a huge amount of stress and need to face the consequences of their actions,” she said.
However, Sergeant Andrew Hanson explained that police don’t believe that any youth are involved.
“We've interviewed a 38-year-old male, formerly of Ringarooma who we suspect has committed the damage,” he said.
“At this stage there is insufficient evidence to charge the male, so we are seeking information/CCTV from the residents of Ringarooma to assist.
“We believe the damage occurred during a small window, just after midnight on Wednesday night December 4 into Thursday morning December 5,” Sergeant Hanson said.
“We believe the offending behaviour in this case was caused by a specific set of circumstances, and that it was likely aimed at one vehicle in particular as a result of a dispute between the suspect and the vehicle's owner.
Sergeant Hanson said police have a theory that the other vehicles were targeted at random to mask the original motive.
“It's for this reason that we don't believe that this will be an ongoing concern for the community.
“However, we will increase patrols in the area during the evenings in response,” he concluded.
Anyone with information or footage that police can access are encouraged to contact Constable Lightfoot at Ringarooma on 131 444.