Group claims it deflated tires of dozens of luxury SUVs in Boston’s Beacon Hill to make a statement

BOSTON — An environmental activist group claims it deflated the tires of dozens of luxury SUVs in Boston’s Beacon Hill neighborhood on Wednesday night in an effort to “render the large greenhouse gas emitting vehicles unusable.”

The group, which goes by “Tyre Extinguishers,” is made up of climate activists who believe “SUVs are a dangerous and unnecessary environmental atrocity, especially in city environments where there are sustainable transport options available to everyone,” according to their website.

The Tyre Extinguishers say they took this action in Beacon Hill because it’s one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Boston to own a house.

“Great action by the new TX Boston group who last night took out 43 SUVs in the Beacon Hill area, one of the wealthiest areas of the city,” the group said in a tweet.

Only large, luxury, gas-powered SUVs were targeted, according to the group. No tires were deflated on electric or hybrid vehicles or vehicles with handicap signage.

The group says it left leaflets on the cars to inform the owners about why their vehicle was impacted, imploring them to stop using their SUVs and switch to public transportation, biking, or smaller compact electric and hybrid cars.

“You know I’m all for taking action to save the environment but I just don’t know that destroying people’s personal property or damaging people’s personal property is the way to go about doing it,” Lauren said.

While her vehicle wasn’t affected, her parents’ was.

“My parents didn’t need to go anywhere immediately this morning, but I know another person in the neighborhood who’s a firefighter and couldn’t get to the fire station,” Lauren said. “There are plenty of people who work at the hospital and couldn’t get to work on time.”

Tyre Extinguishers claims to have conducted similar operations internationally — its website indicates the group has hit cities in Italy, Scotland and Belgium, among others. It also claims to have no leaders — and that anyone can join — with the website containing information on how to spot SUVs and a tutorial on a quick, easy way to flatten their tires.

Boston Police are investigating and released a report saying 19 vehicles were vandalized during the overnight hours.

One victim claimed they missed their medical appointment on Thursday morning due to the damage caused by the vandals, according to the report.

No suspect description was provided by authorities.

The incident remains under investigation.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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