For the second time in July, a group of radical climate activists have claimed responsibility for damaging a number of SUVs in the Waterloo region.
In an email to CTV News, the self-proclaimed “Tyre Extinguishers” said they flattened the tires of 45 SUVs in multiple locations in Kitchener and Waterloo.
“Last night, we flattened the tires of 45 SUVs in multiple locations across the Waterloo Region, including the Upper Beechwood and Beechwood Forest neighbourhoods,” the criminal climate group said.
Notes were left on the damaged vehicles’ windshields indicating that the vehicles were targeted because of climate change.
“Your gas guzzler kills,” one note read.
Waterloo Regional Police Service said they believe the SUV tires were all deflated overnight July 22-23. The police confirmed more than 10 reports of damaged SUVs.
This is the second instance in July. Earlier this month, the radical activists also claimed responsibility for dozens of damaged SUVs. Police reported more than 30 reports were made then.
Police say tires were deflated with a device that made them slowly leak overnight.
After the first attack, the climate activists emailed CTV News to claim responsibility.
“We’re taking this action because governments and politicians have failed to protect us from these huge vehicles. Everyone hates them, apart from the people who drive them,” the email said.
“We want to live in towns and cities with clean air and safe streets. Politely asking and protesting for these things has failed. It’s time for action.”
“The people whose tires we have deflated will be inconvenienced, but ultimately, will be able to get around by using public transit, walking, or cycling like so many other residents of the Waterloo Region do.”
In recent years, radical climate activists have targeted Canadians and workers on multiple occasions to push their radical ideology.
In BC, illegal protesters have blocked multiple highways during rush hour and attacked pipeline workers to protest the Coastal GasLink LNG pipeline despite the project being supported by the province and Indigenous groups.
Anyone with information on the “Tyre Extinguishers” can call Waterloo police at 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Anonymous tips can be submitted at www.waterloocrimestoppers.com.
