Joel Hards had his 2017 red Mustang parked in Mechanics Lane in Castlemaine while he attended a St John Ambulance Australia meeting last night.

Sometime between 7.30pm and 9pm, Mr Hards’ car and the one next to it – a white Toyota Hilux –  was covered in black spray paint.

Mr Hards’ mum, Faye, said her son had parked the $60,000-plus car four steps from the doorway of the hall and under a streetlight, thinking it would be safe.

“It’s just pretty devastating that someone thinks they can destroy someone’s property,” she said.

“The worst thing is it was a brand new car.”

The 23-year-old nurse has been volunteering with St John since he was 12 and is now spending the day assessing the extent of the damage to the car he worked so hard to buy.

“He’s pretty devastated because he does a lot of community work and can't understand how people can do this,” Ms Hards said.

“It’s just devastating to think they do community things and this is what happens.” 

The Mustang was covered in the black spray paint, from the mirrors to the lights. While most of it has come off in the overnight dew, the paintwork has bubbled all over.

Castlemaine Sergeant Rohan Scott said police had noticed an increase in graffiti in the past 12 to 18 months, but it was normally on structures and public buildings.

“When volunteers do a community service and they end up being victims of a senseless crime, it’s really disappointing,” he said.

“Whether it’s public property or personal, it’s still pretty disappointing to the victim. It’s just a senseless crime.”

Witnesses or anyone with knowledge of the crime are urged to contact Leading Senior Constable Wayne Cairnes at Castlemaine police on 5470 4100, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.