Tyre Extinguishers claim responsibility for deflating tyres of 'around 100' SUV's in Edinburgh's wealthiest areas

Around 100 SUVs in some of Edinburgh’s wealthiest areas have been deflated by environmental activists.

In the early hours of the morning on Thursday, May 26 dozens of SUV owners in the New Town, Marchmont and Hillside areas discovered their vehicles had been targeted.

It is not the first time that the climate activists, who call themselves Tyre Extinguishers, have hit in the city.

Since March, the group have targeted dozens of SUV drivers with tyre deflation vandalism in multiple areas including the Grange, and Portobello. Earlier this month, the group leafleted vehicles warning “we’ll be back”.

The group has previously said their “end goal” was to make it “impossible” to own an SUV – which can contribute up to 25% more CO2 on average than smaller cars – in urban areas.

Following reports of tyre deflation in Edinburgh, superintendent Mark Rennie said: “We have received a number of reports of vehicle tyres being deliberately deflated in the Edinburgh area.

“This is a reckless and potentially dangerous act which could put drivers and road users at risk.

“Enquiries are ongoing and we would encourage members of the public to call us immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously close to parked vehicles.

“I would also urge all drivers to check their vehicle before setting off and to contact the police on 101 should they suspect their vehicle has been tampered with.”

A spokesperson for the Edinburgh Tyre Extinguishers said: “Politicians talk, we act. We will defend ourselves from air pollution, climate change and unsafe roads, and we urge others to join us.

“Edinburgh is a small city with good public transport. Nobody living in the centre of town needs to own one of these death machines.”

The group also claims that due to its nature as a leaderless movement, it is unknown how many people are taking action, but says “it appears to be significant and growing”.