More than 40 Mt Waverley trees chopped in vandalism spree

Police are hunting a saw-wielding man believed responsible for hacking more than 40 trees across Mt Waverley.

44 trees across 12 streets in Monash were vandalised and cut down overnight Monday.

Police are hunting for a saw-wielding man after more than 40 trees were hacked up across Mt Waverley.

Police are hunting for a man they believe was carrying a saw when 44 trees were chopped — 11 on private property — sometime between 7pm on Monday, and 6.30am Tuesday.

Some trees cannot be saved and will have to be removed.

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The areas affected include Princetown Rd, Park Lane, Woodstock Rd, Sherwood Rd, Virginia St, Beverley Grove, Toirram Rd, Dallas St, Birralee St, Stephensons Rd, Kemp Ave and Meredith St.

Mt Waverley Sergeant Andrew Huntington encouraged people with CCTV cameras at their homes, which had a clear sight of the footpath and nature-strip, to look at their footage.

He said the man was described as wearing a black hooded jumper, about 175cm, with large shoulders and a narrow waist line, carrying something in his hand which resembled a long-reaching saw.

“If they have any footage that would be of assistance, can they please contact Senior Constable James Downie of Mt Waverley police station on 9888 3755 or email [e-mail],” he said.

Monash Mayor Shane McCluskey called on anyone with information about who may have carried out the “senseless” attack on the trees to speak to Victoria Police or the council.

“This is a beautiful area of Monash and it’s devastating to see the way these trees have been cut and the damage that has caused,” Cr McCluskey said.

Some of the trees vandalised cannot be saved and will have to be removed.

“We will be working with the directly affected residents to determine appropriate replacement trees, taking into account the existing streetscape theme and local growing conditions.

“Victoria Police have advised that CCTV of the attacks may be available so hopefully we will be able to find who carried out this wilful act.”

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