Police are actively investigating a series of thefts and vandalism incidents involving political posters throughout the federal electorate of Calare in central west New South Wales. These events have raised concerns as the election date approaches. The latest disturbances include the theft and damage of campaign materials belonging to Calare MP Andrew Gee, alongside similar acts targeting fellow candidates Kate Hook and Mr Farraway.
In one notable incident, a man was caught on surveillance footage removing Mr. Gee's posters from a lawyer's office in Orange. Authorities have since released video evidence showing two men stealing Mr. Gee's political posters. The thefts occurred in Wellington, Lucknow, and Orange, with campaign trailers also being targeted. Reports confirm that wheels and posters were stolen from one of Mr. Gee's trailers.
Kate Hook, another candidate in the Calare race, has similarly experienced vandalism, reporting that wheels were stolen from one of her campaign trailers. Her posters have been slashed and graffitied in several locations. Hook remarked on the situation, stating:
"It's not actually hurting the candidate if that's the person's intention."
"It's actually hurting the volunteer who has offered to help."
"I don't know if it's people behind the scenes or people taking things into their own hands but the point is it doesn't actually achieve anything and I'd like to see a stop to it soon."
Mr Farraway's campaign has not been spared either, with his campaign signs destroyed on private property. Disturbingly, swastikas were defaced onto his hoardings earlier in January, adding a hateful dimension to the ongoing vandalism.
These incidents underscore a broader pattern of intimidation and vandalism as the election nears. Despite running against Mr. Gee in the previous 2022 federal election, Ms. Hook noted that such issues did not arise during her earlier campaign efforts.
The police are currently searching for two males seen absconding with one of Mr. Gee's campaign posters from outside the Orange Aboriginal Corporation Health Service last Tuesday. This particular theft took place around 7:45 pm, with the suspects reportedly leaving in a grey dual cab ute.
