Perth man, 52, smashes AFP police car windows with rock at Perth Airport

The 52-year-old is scheduled to appear in Perth Magistrates Court today charged with one count of damaging Commonwealth property after the AFP alleges he hurled a rock at a marked police vehicle on April 1.

The vehicle was parked at the corner of Brearley Avenue and Snook Road while officers were on patrol at a nearby terminal when the incident allegedly occurred.

When AFP officers responded to reports of damage, they discovered both the passenger-side and driver's-side front windows had been smashed through.

What followed was a swift investigation that ended with officers locating the man aboard a bus at the airport's Terminal One.

The man was charged under section 132.8A of the Criminal Code and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment if convicted — a sobering reminder that targeting Commonwealth property, including police vehicles, is treated with the utmost seriousness under federal law.

Perth Airport is one of WA's most significant pieces of national infrastructure, handling millions of passengers annually.

The AFP used the incident to renew its call for the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious behaviour at Australian airports under its "See it. Hear it. Report it." campaign.

Officers say behaviours worth reporting include people photographing security cameras, screening equipment or perimeter fencing, avoiding screening checkpoints, leaving bags unattended, loitering without explanation, concealing identity or exhibiting erratic behaviour.

"Every piece of information you provide could be the key to identifying and preventing a threat at our airports," the AFP said.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity at Perth Airport or any Australian airport is urged to contact Airport Watch on 131 237.

The charges against the 52-year-old man have not yet been tested in court and he is presumed innocent until proven guilty.