Police are investigating after the Victoria Police Memorial on St Kilda Road was defaced with red paint and anti-police slogans overnight.
Officers were called to the memorial on Friday morning after unknown offenders sprayed phrases including “good cop, dead cop” and “shame” across the stone structure, which honours police officers who have died in the line of duty. Red paint was splashed across parts of the monument, which sits near the Shrine of Remembrance at the edge of Melbourne’s CBD.
Victoria Police said the circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated and detectives are reviewing CCTV and other vision from the area. No arrests have been made and police have not yet released a description of any suspects.
Local council workers are expected to attend the site to remove the graffiti and restore the memorial. Police have urged anyone who was in the St Kilda Road precinct overnight, or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage, to come forward. Information can be provided to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via a confidential online report.
In a statement, the Victorian Shadow Minister for Police condemned the vandalism as a “disgraceful” attack on officers and their families.
The opposition noted that police have “endured an incredibly difficult year, including the tragic loss of two officers”, yet continue to serve the community, support victims and respond to emergencies every day.
The statement added that the Liberals and Nationals “stand with” Victoria Police against what it called a cowardly act,
“We are fortunate to have men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our community and uphold our freedoms.”
The memorial, located on the tree-lined boulevard leading to the Shrine, is a focal point for annual remembrance services and a place of quiet reflection for current and former officers, as well as families of those killed on duty.
Police say they are treating the incident as a serious matter and are keen to speak to anyone who may have seen suspicious activity around the memorial overnight or in the early hours of Friday morning.
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