Copy article

Legal impact of the Tyre Extinguishers' activism

Journalist: Tom Pyman, MailOnline

ended 08. August 2023

The Tyre Extinguishers drilled holes into the tyres of more than 60 vehicles at a Jaguar dealership on Sunday night. It represents a significant escalation for the eco-group, who had previously merely deflated tyres. I'm looking for a legal expert to provide analysis of this change of tactics, what it means, and what individual owners can do if their tyres are damaged in such a way by the group. Many thanks.

1 responses from the Newspage community

Copy all

Copy

Tahina Akther
Barrister and Co-Founder at Wildcat Law
This represents a significant change in tactics, away from mere nuisance to criminal activity as damaging tyres constitute Criminal Damage.
In theory, because the damage is usually going to be below £5,000, this carries a maximum penalty of 3 months in prison or a fine up to £2,500. However in practice, we know that police forces across the country are overstretched and that fewer people are reporting these crimes. One theory for the fall in reports is because of a perceived lack of action by the police.
Even where a group is believed to be responsible it will be difficult to obtain any redress, even using the civil courts. Instead most people will be left to carry the costs themselves.