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Vandals Destroy Trees on Australia Day

Published Date: 28 January 2009, 03:31 PM

Several trees were deliberately knocked down or severely damaged in Leeming on the evening of Australia Day.

The incident is believed to be the work of vandals who used a vehicle to plough down trees along the median strip in Aulberry Parade. The trees ranged in size from newly planted shrubs to larger trees about four metres tall, with 12 in total significantly damaged. Some of the trees were even uprooted.

Parks and Environment Manager Ian Davis said the stakes surrounding the smaller trees weren’t enough to deter the vandals or to protect the trees from the impact. “With the cost of replacement reaching more than $1,000 per tree for the larger trees, the overall cost of the damage is significant,” he said. “However, the City plans to re-plant the trees and restore the street to its former condition.”

Many residents were out enjoying Australia Day festivities and were not at home to witness the incident. However, police are investigating whether the damage might be linked to marks on the road from burnouts.

Mayor Russell Aubrey said that he was outraged by the incident and shared the disgust of residents at the senseless destruction. “We need residents to keep their eyes and ears open,” he said. “We strongly encourage residents to report such activities to the authorities so that we can make a combined effort to witness vandals in the act and punish the offenders.”

While it is not advisable to personally apprehend vandals, residents are encouraged to write down as many details as possible including car type, colour, registration number and the time of the incident. The incident can then be reported to the City’s Community Safety and Security (CSS) Service or the police.

To report vandalism contact CSS on 1300 653 643 or the police non-emergency number 131 444.

 

 

Trees

Posted by PG at 29 January 2009, 02:14 PM
Glad to hear that the trees are being replaced.

The burnout marks at the intersection of Aulberry and Ramsdale occurred prior to Australia Day.

Vandals Destroying Trees

Posted by David W at 11 February 2009, 07:16 AM
This is the second incident on Aulberry Parade, the first last year and if I remember correctly that was on the Queens Birthday Holiday break. And it was the same set of trees that the vandals hit too. So we have Labour Day coming up and the Easter break, why not put a couple of hidden cameras out there, I'm sure this fool will only do it again only this time you could have clear footage of him/them and be able to act appropriately with that evidence.

Trees destroyed by Vandals

Posted by Lawrie Carr at 11 February 2009, 10:45 AM
I used to live in Leeming and am still a member of the Leeming Lions. Our Lions Club is actively involved in projects in the Leeming area so we are particularly incensed at this wanton - and expensive - destruction of trees in Aulberry Parade. As it would appear the cost of restitution will come from ratepayers funds I strongly urge all residents to be vigilant and report all acts of destuction and vandalism to the appropriate council officers.