A MACHETE found on the Henry St Trail in Heatherton may have been dropped by a tree vandal responsible for the destruction of up to 30 trees across Kingston over the past few weeks.
Moorabbin Police Sergeant Kevin Bond said the machete was similar to that described by a resident who saw the man hacking into trees in the area. When confronted the man acted aggressively before running off.
Sergeant Bond said forensic tests were being run to help identify the man, described as Caucasian, in his early 20s, who is also believed to carry an axe.
“We have made no arrest as yet and have not identified our suspect, but we hope public information will lead us to him and that the fingerprints will provide evidence,” he said.
Kingston Council has called on the community to report tree damage and vandalism following the spate of attacks in the Henry St Trail/Karkarook Park area.
Council officers on patrol are urging neighbouring residents to report suspicious activity to the police immediately. The council also erected signs near The Glade, Bonbeach, after trees there were vandalised.
Replanting has begun on the foreshore to replace damaged trees.
Mayor Cr David Eden said council is “extremely disappointed that efforts to beautify the area with tree plantings were being ruined by such senseless vandalism”.
“Council invests a significant amount of ratepayer funding in maintaining existing trees and planting more than 3000 trees each year. Each tree costs $250 to plant and maintain for the first two years of its life,” Cr Eden said.
Sergeant Kevin Bond advised residents to call 000 if they spot the man acting suspiciously.
“They should not approach the male as he is believed to carry an axe or a machete with which he damages the trees,” he said.
Residents are fed up with the senseless vandalism and want the man caught.
Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000, Kingston Council 1300 653 356 or Moorabbin police 9556 6565.
First published in the Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News – 16 November 2016
