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A 40-year-old man has been arrested and charged with criminal damages in connection with the felling of eight pōhutukawa trees in south Auckland.
On Sunday night, a vandal cut down a line of trees that lined Harborside Drive in Karaka with a chainsaw. Since then the chainsaw has been found.
Residents believe the alleged offender had been in one of two cars, in which people had been seen drinking in the area prior to the incident.
The incident, which occurred around 6:50 p.m., upset residents.
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Things got worse when a series of handwritten accusation notes were delivered to the residents of Harborside Dr, implying that the perpetrator was someone from the street.
Residents spoken by Things He said that while they thought logging was done in a seemingly professional manner, they did not believe that any local would be capable of committing such a crime.
The arrest followed the release of surveillance footage earlier this week, which showed a man carrying a light-colored chainsaw near the area.
Inspector Rod Honan, Manukau South Counties Acting Area Commander, thanked the community for helping the police.
“We would like to thank our community for their help in this matter, the arrest is the result of the collaboration of the community,” he said.
The alleged offender is expected to appear in Manukau District Court on Friday or Saturday.
RICKY WILSON / Stuff
A man was arrested after eight trees were cut down in Karaka.
Information can be reported to Papakura Police by calling 105, or anonymously at Crimestoppers 0800 555 111, quoting file number 201026/6667.
