Election candidates say vandalism and attacks on the rise

Key points

• Local election candidates in Victoria report increased vandalism, theft, and online attacks. Ajay Mishra, a candidate in the City of Greater Bendigo's Lockwood by-election, said his campaign signs were defaced and a local business was threatened.
• Fellow candidates reported racist comments and suspicious behaviour. University of Melbourne associate professor Aaron Martin noted a rise in 'outgroup hostility' in Australian politics, partly driven by social media.
• Police are investigating incidents, including a stolen election sign and drone loitering.