Climate extremist group Tyre Extinguishers targets SUVs in Melbourne suburb of Toorak

Climate activists have deflated the tires of ‘hundreds’ of SUVs in an affluent Melbourne neighbourhood.

The Tire Extinguishers group left messages on the windshields of the vehicles in Toorak, claiming that the ‘gas guzzlers’ are contributing to environmental damage, while encouraging owners to consider using public transport as an alternative.

The group confirmed on Friday that ‘concerned citizens’ had taken action to ‘disarm’ vehicles in Melbourne ‘in the first action in a new wave of climate protests in Australia’.

“The Tire Extinguishers is a new movement that is emerging around the world, encouraging people to take action against urban SUVs,” the statement said.

The Tire Extinguishers are a leaderless group where citizens take action in their local area by using a website to learn how to deflate the tires and printing a leaflet to leave with the SUV to inform the owner inform them about what happened, for their safety.’

Victoria Police are now investigating the incident.

“At least 10 off-road vehicles and SUVs were tampered with near Tintern Avenue,” a police spokeswoman said.

‘Notes have also been left with the vehicles describing the environmental impact of these types of vehicles. The investigation is ongoing.’

The note left on the windshield read: “CAUTION: Your gas guzzler kills.”

“We have deflated one or more of your tires,” the note read.

“You will be angry, but think for a second about why your car is a big deal.

“Car companies try to convince you that we need huge cars, but we don’t. Driving your huge vehicle through urban areas has huge consequences for others.

‘SUVs and 4x4s are also a disaster for our climate. SUVs are the second largest contributor to the global increase in CO2 emissions over the last decade – more than the entire aviation industry.

“Even if you don’t care about the consequences for people far away, think about the consequences in your neighborhood. SUVs cause much more air pollution than smaller cars.

SUVs are more likely to kill people than regular sedans in crashes. Psychological studies show that SUV drivers are more likely to take risks and endanger others. SUVs are just not necessary, especially when most of us live in overcrowded cities.

“The world is facing a climate emergency. According to scientists and the United Nations, millions of people are already dying from the effects of global warming – droughts, fires, hurricanes, floods, forced migration and famine.

“While the impact on you has probably been minimal so far, millions of people are directly affected by it every day. Emergency measures are needed to reduce emissions immediately.

“That’s why we’ve temporarily banned you from driving your SUV. Your tire is not damaged and you will get by without your gas guzzler without any problems. Maybe try walking, cycling or using public transport.’

Tire Extinguishers said the group was taking action because SUVs were a “climate disaster.”

Tire Extinguishers said the group was taking action because SUVs were a “climate disaster.”

“If SUV drivers were a country, they would be the sixth largest polluter in the world,” the report said.

The Tire Extinguishers want a ban on SUVs in urban areas, pollution charges to tax SUVs, and massive investment in free, expanded public transportation.

“But until politicians make this a reality, Tire Blussers’ action will continue. We have no leader; everyone can participate, wherever you are.’

Police are calling on witnesses or anyone with CCTV or other footage to contact Crime Stoppers.

It comes weeks after group members damaged the tires of at least 60 SUVs at a car dealership in Britain.

They justified their actions in response to the tragic deaths of two eight-year-old schoolgirls. These girls were killed on July 6 when a woman, driving her Land Rover, drove through a gate into their school in southwest London.

“This retaliatory act is intended as a peaceful and non-violent demonstration to draw attention to the presence of highly inappropriate private vehicles in our towns and cities,” the activists said.

“Tyre Extinguishers firmly believe their action is a necessary escalation to try to prevent these vehicles from destroying even more lives and continuing to push the worsening climate crisis off the brink.”