Police are appealing for assistance from the public after a mobile traffic camera vehicle was damaged and the operator threatened in two incidents in Altona in January.
Officers were told two men approached the mobile traffic camera vehicle parked on Civic Parade between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Wednesday, 25th January.
During the first incident a man on a bicycle approached the vehicle and was verbally aggressive towards the operator, spitting on the window and proceeded to punch the driver’s side mirror.
The man fled the scene in a westerly direction along Civic Parade.
The man is described as having a medium build, grey hair and stubble. He was wearing a black and white ‘Lonsdale’ singlet and he has a distinguishing black flame tattoo on his right calf.
An hour later a man wearing a beige balaclava splashed white paint over the vehicle and threatened the operator with a tomahawk.
The man fled the scene in a westerly direction along Civic Parade into Bent Street before getting into a black Mercedes C-Class or similar.
He is described as having a slim build, approximately 182cm tall and was wearing a camouflage top and dark jeans.
The traffic car operator was not injured during the incidents.
Police believed that the two incidents are linked.
Police have released vision and images of two men who may be able to assist with their enquiries.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.auExternal Link.