In the quiet, leafy streets of Sydney’s northern suburb of Forestville, a sinister act has left residents feeling uneasy and looking over their shoulders. It’s a reminder that even in the most peaceful of neighbourhoods, malice can strike without warning.
The incident, which unfolded at the start of the month, has both police and locals scratching their heads. A woman’s driveway became the scene of a puzzling and dangerous crime when large road spikes were deliberately scattered across it, resulting in her car tyres being punctured and in dire need of repair.
The victim, understandably shaken by the event, took to social media to express her frustration and hope for justice. ‘Hope this idiot gets caught!’ she exclaimed, echoing the sentiment of her fellow Forestville residents who are now on high alert.
This wasn’t an isolated incident, either. Other locals chimed in, sharing that they had encountered similar malicious objects on the road in recent months. The community has condemned the ‘dreadful’ act, with one neighbour branding the behaviour as ‘disgraceful’.
NSW Police, who were called to the scene on March 4, have confirmed their visit to the property but are at a loss for a motive. They have ruled out a ‘neighbour dispute’ and are left with no clear avenues of investigation. The victim has since been advised to adjust her CCTV cameras to better capture any future occurrences, in the hope of identifying the culprit.
The consequences of such a malicious act are not to be taken lightly. According to Hayder Shkara, principal lawyer at Queensland-based firm Walker Pender, the offender could face a hefty fine if caught. ‘It would be destroying or damaging property,’ Shkara explained. ‘Leaving spikes on someone’s driveway definitely fits this category.’
The fine for such an offence could range from $500 to $2,000, at the judge’s discretion, for something as seemingly minor as a punctured tyre. However, if the damage is more extensive or if there’s an ‘intent to harm’, the offender could face more severe sentencing, including a corrections order.
Incidents like these serve as a reminder of the importance of community awareness and vigilance. While the motive behind this act remains unclear, it highlights the need for residents to stay informed and take precautions to protect their property.
Have you ever encountered a similar situation in your neighbourhood? How do you think communities can work together to prevent such incidents? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Also read: Bail reform: ‘Toughest bail laws’ to be introduced amidst crime concerns
