The son of a World War II veteran has expressed his fury and disgust after discovering a Nazi symbol deliberately scratched into his family's brand new Tesla while parked at a Perth shopping centre.
Ross Green, whose father served Australia during the Second World War, found the offensive swastika etched into the passenger side of his electric vehicle at Waterford Plaza in Karawara on Tuesday afternoon. The vandalism occurred while the car was parked in the busy shopping centre carpark.
'This feels personal and disgusting,' Mr Green told media, his voice filled with emotion. 'My father fought against these people in the war, and to see this symbol on my car... it's just beyond comprehension.'
The incident has left the family shaken and questioning the mentality behind such a hateful act. The vandalism will cost hundreds of dollars to repair, adding financial insult to the emotional distress caused by the symbol's historical significance.
Police Investigation Underway
Western Australia Police have confirmed they are investigating the incident as criminal damage. A spokesperson stated that officers are reviewing CCTV footage from the shopping centre in hopes of identifying the perpetrator.
'Any incident involving hate symbols is treated with seriousness,' a police representative commented. 'We encourage anyone with information about this offence to come forward.'
Community Reaction and Historical Significance
The timing of the vandalism adds another layer of distress for the Green family, coming at a time when the world remembers the sacrifices made by Allied forces during WWII.
'This isn't just random vandalism - it's a hate symbol with deep historical meaning,' Mr Green emphasised. 'For my family, given our history, this cuts particularly deep.'
Shoppers and local residents have expressed shock and support for the family, with many taking to social media to condemn the act and call for the vandal to be identified and held accountable.
The management of Waterford Plaza has been notified and is cooperating with police investigations. The shopping centre has increased security patrols in response to the incident.
