Vandals have attacked four trees in central Bendigo overnight, cutting them down with what police believe was an axe.
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Three trees were chopped down in Rosalind Park and one near the intersection of Mitchell and Myers streets.
The trees were well-established and about three or four metres high, police said.
City of Greater Bendigo parks and natural reserves manager Debbie Wood said staff noticed the trees when they arrived at Rosalind Park this morning.
“It’s very disappointing when we see this blatant vandalism for no reason,” she said.
“It is concerning that this is happening in the park and throughout the CBD.”
Tuesday’s attack comes after 10 recently planted elm trees were snapped near Lake Weeroona at the beginning of the month.
Ms Wood said the recent damage was more aggressive than at Napier Street.
“We work hard to try to make the city a beautiful place, but this has set us back another five to 10 years,” she said.
The three trees in Rosalind Park (a cordyline, a Queensland kauri pine and a young elm tree) were located in the upper gardens, near the cascades and Camp Hill Primary School. The fourth tree was a plane tree located near the ANZ bank.
Ms Wood said it was difficult to put a dollar-figure on the trees’ worth as they were five to 10 years old. She said they would all be replaced, however, with young trees worth $440.
“If there is anyone out there who saw anything suspicious, please contact police,” Ms Wood said. “Any help they can get from the public would be much appreciated.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Constable Morrissey at the Bendigo police station on 5448 1300.