Tires targeted in Elmira vandalism spree

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More than 30 vehicles targeted by vandals in Elmira

Suspect caught on camera deflating tires

Waterloo Regional Police are looking for the person, or people, responsible for a vandalism spree in Elmira.

They said they received more than 30 reports of tire damage to SUVs, crossovers and pickup trucks on Monday.

Those vehicles had all been parked on the road or driveways in the area of South Parkwood Boulevard and Timber Trail Road.

“The tires on the vehicles were deflated using a device that made the tires slowly leak overnight,” police said in a media release.

A note was also left on the windshields, which read, “We are defending ourselves against climate change, air pollution and unsafe drivers.”

Police said all of the incidents were believed to have happened between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

No permanent damage was done to the tires.

One resident told CTV News Kitchener both his front and rear left tires were flattened. He said a few neighbours were walking up and down the street with air compressors to reinflate tires and help people get to work on time.

“I don’t think it’s the best way to get their point across,” the resident, Jeff, said. “They should maybe protest on the street, city hall, somewhere else to get their message out.”

Police said there could be repercussions for the people behind the act.

“This type of incident would fall under mischief to property,” Const. Brad Hickey, Waterloo Regional Police Service, said.

Anyone who saw suspicious activity in the neighbourhood is asked to contact Waterloo Regional Police at 519-570-9777.