Hunt on for vandals who chopped down 28 trees in Manly Vale and North Manly causing $14k damage

They were planted to provide shade in popular public parks, but vandals decided to chop down 28 trees in one night at Manly Vale and North Manly.

• Sea Eagles young gun in court of serious driving charge
• Garbo sentenced for running red light and injuring cyclist

Mindless vandals who cut down dozens of trees in one night at two popular sports reserve have cost the community more than $14,000.

The beautiful swamp mahogany trees had just been planted by Northern Beaches Council at the adjoining Passmore and Nolans reserves bordering Manly Vale and North Manly.

The vandals used a sharp implement like a machete or axe to slice through the 28 trees. Picture: Facebook

But in a burst of wanton destruction in late July the trunks of 28 of the two-metre high native trees were slashed with a sharp instrument, possibly a machete.

Residents were so upset and frustrated at the “pathetic” vandalism that they called police.

Now authorities are urging anyone who has information about the attack to contact Northern Beaches Police or the council.

The trees — native Eucalyptus robusta, or swamp mahogany — were among 128 planted across both reserves between May and July this year.

Northern Beaches Council has asked people to come forward if they know anything about the vandalism attack. Picture: Facebook

The council confirmed that 28 of them were attacked with a sharp implement.

It attracted a storm of outrage from residents, especially on community Facebook sites.

Tiziana Beninati wrote: “How sad, they were beautiful! Who would do something like that, it does not make any sense?”

“What is wrong with some people.? Seriously!,” Venessa Formosa wrote

While Hannah Edwards wrote: “It was looking great down there. How sadly pathetic.”

Council CEO Ray Brownlee said the trees were being replaced at a total cost of $14,000.

The council described the vandals as having “total disregard for the environment”. Picture: Facebook

“The council is disappointed with this vandalism and the total disregard for the environment,” Mr Brownlee said.

“These trees were planted for everyone’s enjoyment and were not impacting on the use of the reserve.

“Anyone who has any information about the matter is urged to call local police or Council on 1300 434 434.”