Tasmania Police has established a taskforce of detectives to investigate the attacks on the vehicle of a Devonport police officer.

About 9.25pm on Saturday, 21 December 2013 police responded to a loud explosion in Steele Street, Devonport. A 2001 gold Nissan Patrol belonging to a police officer was damaged using an explosive device. The officer had only arrived home about 5 minutes previously.

The explosive device broke the windscreen, and shattered glass throughout the vehicle.

“It is extremely concerning that a vehicle parked outside the home of a police officer has been subject to this type of damage on two occasions,” said Commissioner Darren Hine.

“Police will not tolerate this type of dangerous activity. The explosion could have injured the officer, his family or members of the public in the area,” said Mr Hine.

“We have a team of detectives from Drug Investigations Services and CIB, led by an Inspector, to investigate the incidents. A specific line of inquiry is being investigated in relation to the type of explosive substance.”

The same vehicle was damaged in similar circumstances on the evening of 19 November. On that occasion an attempt was made to set the vehicle on fire with a flammable liquid, scorching the paintwork.

“The officer and his wife have young children, who were at home on both occasions the vehicle was attacked. Their safety and the safety of the police officer are a priority,” said Mr Hine.

“Understandably the officer’s family is very upset by the incidents. They are being offered support and counselling. Additional security measures for the officer and his family are also being implemented.”

Police are asking for anyone who may have seen either incident in which the vehicle was damaged, or anyone acting suspiciously in the area, to contact them on Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000.