Tree vandals have destroyed newly planted Norfolk pines at Altona beach, presumably for better views of the bay.
Altona and Seaholme residents have taken to Facebook, demanding tougher deterrents from Hobsons Bay council. One resident called for the installation of CCTV cameras.
The council has erected a large board at the site of a tree which states: “Tree vandals have been destroying your environment.”
The sign is designed to block the view the perpetrator stood to benefit from, but some residents have complained that the board is not big enough.
Mayor Angela Altair said the council had reported the vandalism to police.
“Three recently planted Norfolk pines were vandalised for the second year in a row,” she said.
“The council has been notified of a number of instances of residents damaging or killing trees in local streets and parks.’’
It costs the council about $700,000 a year for planting and maintaining street trees.
» Information to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
