Environmental group claiming to deflate tires on SUVs turns attention to Vancouver

An environmental group called Tyre Extinguishers is attempting to draw attention to pollution caused by larger vehicles and is now looking at Vancouver.

A self-described activist group that allegedly deflated the tires of dozens of SUVs in Greater Victoria now appears to be turning its attention to the Lower Mainland, but a lawyer is warning it could come with some serious consequences.

The international group called Tyre Extinguishers is attempting to draw attention to pollution caused by larger vehicles. In the past few days, the group claims to have hit 34 SUVS in Victoria and Oak Bay and other vehicles in Kitchener, Ont., and according to social media, it is now looking at Vancouver.

Victoria Police Department has opened a file on the environmental action and so far one person in the city has filed a police complaint. Oak Bay police have received eight complaints are tires being deflated.

No arrests have been made yet, however Oak Bay police released a description of a possible suspect. He’s described as thin with light brown hair in his early 20s. He was seen driving away in a light blue car. It’s believed tires were deflated in the early morning hours of July 29.

Criminal lawyer Sarah Leamon warns anyone caught deflating tires could face serious charges depending on if anyone is hurt and how the Crown proceeds.

“I think the most obvious charge that they could face would be a charge of mischief,” Leamon said. “Mischief can be quite a serious charge is the Crown decides to pursue by way of indictment, which would elevate the penalty and even put jail time on the table.”

Leamon says if someone doesn’t check their tires before they drive off and gets into a crash as a result, that could prompt the Crown to seek a harsher sentence.

“I think where you’re putting public health or safety at risk, then there could be a potential for the Crown to decide to proceed by indictment.”