Vandals have targeted e-scooters with reports of damaged vehicles and stolen batteries.
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A Neuron spokesperson said they were aware of at least ten cases of vandalism to its scooters in Canberra which occurred on the night of December 19 at Regatta Point and Aspen Island.
"The e-scooters have since been retrieved for repair, and we have reported the issue to the ACT police who are investigating," the spokesperson said.
"Our e-scooters are GPS-enabled and are connected to our servers so their location is always known should they be vandalised or removed from the riding area.
"As a safeguard for our riders, once an e-scooter is immobilised, it is effectively locked and temporarily rendered unusable."
A post from a Facebook user from this weekend circulated on the Canberra Community Notice Board group attracting over 130 comments.
"Lots of scooters being broken into for parts," the post read.
The accompanying image displayed two rows of s-scooters. In the first row two Neuron scooters damaged, with the platform pried open and with batteries missing. One other neuron e-scooter had the corner of the platform bent upwards, as if a vandal had begun to open the platform up.
Jason Heddle said he was planning to take scooter ride with his two daughters around Lake Burley Griffin, but was shocked to see vandalised scooters near Aspen Island.
Mr Heddle said he saw five or six scooters ripped open. He said only the orange Neuron scooters were damaged and only the lower platform of the scooter where the battery was located was damaged.
While no Beam scooters are known to be damaged, Beam corporate affairs vice president Christopher Hilton said the company took instances of wilful property damage extremely seriously.
"In every market, there is a very small amount of vandalism targeted at destroying the e-scooter for component parts, " Mr Hilton said.
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An ACT Policing spokesperson said they received a report regarding vandalised e-scooters at 3pm on December 21.
"Enquiries into the matter are ongoing," the spokesperson said.
"Anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Please quote reference 6699212. Information can be provided anonymously.
"Police would like to remind the public that it is an offence to damage private property."
Julia Kanapathippillai
I like writing fascinating stories about Canberra. If you have a tip or a story email julia.k@austcommunitymedia.com.au
I like writing fascinating stories about Canberra. If you have a tip or a story email julia.k@austcommunitymedia.com.au
