‘Disgraceful’: Two women arrested after allegedly vandalising Heidelberg RSL on Anzac Day

Two women have been charged after allegedly defacing an RSL in Melbourne’s northeast on Anzac Day.

Vandals also target two other Melbourne RSL venues overnight, Victoria Police said

Police allege two women were caught spraying a wall on the Heidelberg RSL about 1.45am on Saturday.

The two women allegedly fled when they saw police, with a constable and senior constable chasing the pair down.

They were charged with criminal damage, mark graffiti on property without consent and possess graffiti implement to mark graffiti.

Venue manager Paul Farmer told NewsWire the vandalism was hugely offensive.

“Absolutely disrespectful. Especially Anzac Day and being the biggest day on the RSL calendar, for someone to target us and other RSLs is just beyond total belief and contempt,” he said.

“The fact that people would even think about doing that is a kick in the guts.

“We’ve spent a lot of time organising the Heidelberg service this morning and the march … it’s a lot of work and a lot of planning, so to have this done is just so disrespectful.”

Mr Framer said the alleged vandals spray painted the building about 1.45am Saturday. Because the RSL is on a busy major thoroughfare police were there quickly and made two arrests.

The incident comes after two other venues were defaced across the northern suburbs, including the Resorvoir RSL, which had the words “F**k Anzac” and “Death to the ADF” sprayed in red on the side of the building.

In a statement, a Reservoir RSL spokesman said the vandalism was “disgraceful”.

“Despite this hateful act, the offenders failed in their objective,” they said.

“Following the (Dawn) Service, many attendees and members were unfortunately exposed to the graffiti while attending our traditional gunfire breakfast.

“While upsetting, the overwhelming response from the public was one of unity, support and condemnation of those responsible.”

An RSL sub-branch in Fawkner was also allegedly targeted by vandals overnight. The graffiti has since been removed.

A spokesman for the RSL said the allege “attack does nothing but strengthen our resolve to commemorate our dead and advocate for the living”.

“The paint will be removed our memorial will be restored to honour the glory of our fallen,” they said.

Police believe the Reservoir RSL vandalism is linked to the incident in Heidelberg.

Officers are continuing to investigate the incidents and working to determine if the vandalism in Fawkner is also linked.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.