Group claims responsibility after tires of more than 30 SUVs deflated in Kitchener, Ont.

A group claiming to be environmental activists is taking responsibility after the tires of dozens of SUVs were flattened overnight in Kitchener, Ont.

Waterloo regional police say they’ve received more than 30 reports of property damage to SUVs parked in driveways in the Glasgow Heights and Stanley Park areas of Kitchener.

Police say the suspects left notes on windshields stating: “Your gas guzzler kills.”

“We do find this rather concerning, especially with the messages that were left on the vehicles,” said Cst. Andre Johnson, with Waterloo Regional Police Service.

The tires were deflated using a device that made them slowly leak overnight, police say.

The incidents are believed to have occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 17.

In an email to CTV News, a group who identifies themselves as “Tyre Extinguishers” claims they flattened the tires of 60 SUVs in multiple locations across Waterloo region.

The group says their goal is to ban SUVs from urban areas and calls the vehicles “climate disasters.”

“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 in part. “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 group noted they are aware the inconvenience the deflated tires will pose for drivers

“We know people will be frustrated, upset, and/or very angry at us. Unfortunately, we do not have any time to waste in reducing our emissions. 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,” Tyre Extinguishers said.

Waterloo regional police have not verified the authenticity of the email, but say they are investigating more than 30 incidents where SUVs had air taken out of their tires. Police say their initial investigation found no damage was done to the tires or vehicles.

“These vehicles were targeted specifically, which is a cause for concern as well,” said Johnson.

On Tuesday, police tweeted for the public's help in the investigation.

They specified Maple Hill Drive, Silvercrest Drive, Stonehaven Drive, and Craigstown Place as targetted areas in Kitchener.

Police are asking anyone with video evidence to upload it online.

Many residents whose cars were targeted told CTV News they were not comfortable speaking on-camera out of fear of being targeted again.

SUV ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Staff at Total Quartz Auto Care in Kitchener say the group may be misinformed, and that SUVs aren't always worse for the environment.

“Most SUVs have the same size motor as a small sedan,” said Premtim Ajvazi, operations manager at Total Quartz Auto Care. “Some of them even have a smaller motor with an eco-boost that the new manufacturers are coming out with better for the environment, better for fuel mileage.”