Police on the Isle of Wight are renewing an appeal for information after more reports of suspected criminal damage to trees in Ryde and Cowes.
 
Officers have now received calls about more than twenty (20) trees being cut down or damaged since July 20th.
 
Oak and Ash trees, some up to 50 feet tall and 10 inches in diameter, have been targeted on the Millennium Green, Dame Anthony’s Common, and private property near Playstreet Lane and Pell Lane in Ryde.
 
Two memorial trees were cut down in Northwood Park in Cowes sometime overnight between Friday, July 25th and Saturday, July 26th.
 
The most recent report was received on Tuesday (July 29th) when five teenagers wearing football shirts were seen carrying what appeared to be axes and a saw at around 12.00pm on Dame Anthony’s Common in Ryde.
 
Sergeant Terry Clarkson from Ryde Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) said: 

“I’m concerned that the number of trees damaged has increased.  Not only is there destruction of the environment, but the people responsible for this damage are putting themselves in danger of serious injury or death, either from falling trees or the tools they’re using.”

A chainsaw cover has been recovered from a plastic bag on the Millennium Green, Ryde near where some of the trees have been cut down.
 
Sgt Clarkson continued: 

“I’m asking people who own a chainsaw to check whether they have still have them, and to let officers know if one is missing or stolen.”

Hampshire Constabulary’s Wildlife Crime Officer on the Isle of Wight, PC Nick Massey said: 

“Some of the trees have been cut down near active badger sets on the Millennium Green. If sets are disturbed, people can be prosecuted for offences under wildlife legislation.”
 

Sgt Terry Clarkson from Ryde added: 

“Because no wood has been removed, it appears there is no motive for these crimes, which are upsetting many people who look after the trees, and respect their natural beauty and importance to the local environment.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Ryde or Cowes Police Stations on 0845 045 45 45 or call the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Image provided via Duncan Smith.