Police reveal tree vandal suspects as young as 11
SUSPECTS between the ages of 11 and 13 have been identified in police investigations into the trees destroyed at Heath Park in Cardiff.
The cherry blossoms in Heath Park were reported as snapped in half on Monday, July 25, just months after they were planted, causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
Cardiff Council has confirmed that it has begun the process of sourcing trees to replace those that have been destroyed and it will cost around £4,000.
Meanwhile, police have been investigating the sources of what local councillors have described as an “incredibly disappointing” act of vandalism. So far South Wales Police have confirmed that five suspects in the local area have been identified, all aged between 11 and 13.
As part of these investigations, police are undertaking CCTV checks and door-to-door checks, as well as undertaking their enquiries in the local area.
The Japanese cherry trees, or ‘sakura’, were planted in January in a special ceremony celebrating 150 years of friendship between Wales and Japan. Gifted to the city as part of the Sakura Cherry Tree Project, it was planned that the trees would form an avenue of cherry blossom in the park.
Councillor Jennifer Burke-Davies, who is a cabinet member with responsibility for parks tweeted on Monday that the vandalism made her “absolutely sick”.
In a further statement, she condemned the completely unacceptable” act and urged those with information to report the crime.
She said: “These trees were only planted in January and were meant to symbolise friendship and understanding so for them to be subject to such mindless destruction is sickening. It’s a deliberate act of vandalism, a crime, and I fully condemn this completely unacceptable behaviour.
“Our parks team are in the process of assessing the full extent of the damage and will be reporting the incident to the police.
“I would urge anybody who has any information related to this incident to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “We are continuing to investigate the significant damage caused to the donated trees in Heath Park. Five local suspects aged between 11 and 13 have been identified.
“Inquiries are ongoing as we continue to gather evidence. Anyone with information is asked to contact us quoting 2200248120.”