A Clifton resident has shared his horror after climate change activists allegedly defaced a number of cars. The incident took place on Sunday (April 2) evening where around six cars were targeted.
Chris Bailey - the owner of one of the vehicles which were vandalised - contacted Bristol Live claiming his property has been targeted twice in the space of just four weeks. Pictures of the vandalism have been shared with Bristol Live, which shows the words 'This machine kills kids' painted on both the doors and bonnet of the vehicle.
Chris claims that the tyres on his car were deflated just weeks ago and that the repetitive vandalism is leading to a 'negative connotation' with climate change. He said: "Our car was one of six that I counted. We also had our tyres let down a few weeks ago.
"It's getting ridiculous, twice we’ve been hit in a month!"
The resident shared a letter with Bristol Live which was received after activists previously deflated their tyres. The letter - sent by The Tyre Extinguishers - says 'you'll be angry but don't take it personally. It's not you, It's your car'.
The first part of the letter reads: "We have deflated one or more of your tyres. You'll be angry but don't take it personally. It's not you. It's your car.
"We did this because driving around urban areas in your massive vehicle has huge consequences for others."
Bristol Live contacted The Tyre Extinguishers who have confirmed they were not involved in the incident on Sunday evening. A spokesperson, who remains anonymous, said: "We didn't do this, but we love it, and hope that lots of other people do the same!
"Let's get these killer vanity vehicles off our streets for good."
Despite being targeted by the vandalism, Chris says that dramatic action needs to be taken in order to combat climate change. However, he added that "activists creeping around the streets at 2am" is not the way forward.
He said: "Climate change is a serious issue, and dramatic actions need to happen within the next few years before the damage is irreversible, we need to get the entire population on board with this movement.
"However by activists creeping around the streets at 2am, letting tyres down, and spray painting any vehicles that are not electric, is causing a negative connotation with climate change, and people are becoming very resentful towards the movement.
"Instead these people could do helpful tasks such as volunteering, to bring a positive association to climate change."
Bristol Live has approached Avon and Somerset for comment.
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