A turf war over a popular rock platform for fishing in Manly is one leading theory behind the slashing of almost every tyre on every vehicle parked at North Head on Sunday morning, 1 December 2024.
Northern Beaches Police confirmed they have commenced an investigation following reports of eight vehicles being damaged between 5:00am and 7:30am at North Head Scenic Drive, Manly, where fisher’s park before walking down to a popular rock platform most weekends.
Fingers were first pointed towards anti-fishing folk for the flattened tyres, however, after Manly Observer chatted to some of the locals present on the day, it has become apparent that a fellow fisherman or their friends may be behind it.
“There were a lot of people, like 10 or 12 people, all fishing, all different ages, all different nationalities, everybody was kind to the other one,” an anonymous person fishing off the rocks retold.
“These guys arrived. It was pretty late, like, 6:20 in the morning. He started organising his stuff, and was like a bit pissed because there wasn’t enough space.”
The anonymous source said the man began staring at the other fishermen and became agitated, claiming he had fished at the spot for 20 years. He then, allegedly, proclaimed he had four friends in the car park he told not to come down due to the area’s busyness before making a phone call then climbing back up the rocks.
Half an hour later, it was discovered that eight vehicles in the car park had their tyres slashed.
“I think the guys who did this know the area very well, because he did it like on the sides where the camera can’t see him, he was hiding, they did it well…it’s pretty silly behaviour.”
At least one fisherman present on the day has provided police with the above information.
The agitated man who left, who may or may not be connected in any way to the vehicle damage, is a prominent businessman.
Whoever is responsible is certainly unpopular with those left temporarily stranded at the remote, albeit picturesque, part of Sydney.
“Doing this in a little community like Manly where everybody supports each other, like, it’s pretty pathetic,” a source said.
“We respect the community. We respect the country. We pay tax. We have nothing less than the other one.”
Anyone with information about the incident, CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
