Vandalism update

Five trees were found in bad shape at Te Ko Utu with drill holes indicating poisoning. Police enquiries are continuing.

Police are encouraging members of the public to contact them with any information regarding the vandalism of a roller at Waipuke Park, which was severely damaged overnight on November 29 when someone put stones in its engine, radiator and fuel tank.

Skid marks were also found on the ground at the site where the roller was damaged, near the park entrance on Maungatautari Rd.

Police have made a forensic assessment for fingerprints, but have not yet confirmed any further lines of inquiry.

Anyone with information can contact Police anonymously via 0800 555 111.

In other vandalism news, Police are continuing enquiries into the poisoning of five established trees on the southern side of Lake Te Kō Utu, which included three totara, a cryptomeria and a cedar.

They were found in poor condition with drill holes indicating poisoning, and have already gone brown and lost many leaves. Council confirmed last week that the trees would eventually be felled, but has not yet set a date for the work. “Council is continuing to monitor the trees to ensure they don’t become a risk,” a spokesperson said.

Council contractors arrived at their Waipuke Park worksite on November 30 to find vandals had severely damaged their roller overnight.

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