Key Points:
- The Metropolitan Police have distributed doorbell cameras to Hackney residents to identify a persistent tree vandal.
- The suspect has been targeting young trees, snapping trunks, removing bark, and uprooting saplings.
- A male in his late teens to early 20s with a pale complexion was caught on doorbell footage, and a witness has given a statement to police.
- Resident Mark Westcott described the community as being “held hostage” by the vandal and urged authorities to set a “trap.”
- The attacks have mostly occurred in areas without CCTV, particularly in Cazenove ward, but have spread to other parts of Hackney.
- Police are reviewing a previous decision not to arrest a suspect, and some CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations.
- Hackney Council members Sam Pallis and Patrick Pinkerton condemned the attacks as “shocking and outrageous.”
- Since installing cameras, no further reports of vandalism have emerged.
- In 2022, 60 trees were vandalised across the borough.
The Metropolitan Police have taken an unusual step in their efforts to identify and catch a tree vandal wreaking havoc across Hackney, distributing doorbell cameras to residents in affected areas.
What damage has the vandal caused?
For months, an unidentified individual has been systematically destroying young trees across Hackney, particularly in north Hackney’s Cazenove ward. The attacks involve snapping trunks, removing bark in a method known as “ring-barking”—which is often fatal to trees—and uprooting saplings. Some damage has also been reported in other parts of the borough.
Has the suspect been identified?
A young male, believed to be in his late teens to early 20s with a pale complexion, was captured on a doorbell camera. The footage was shared with the police, and the camera owner has provided a statement. Despite this, the suspect remains at large.
How are authorities responding?
Councillor Susan Fajana-Thomas confirmed that the Metropolitan Police are reviewing their earlier decision not to arrest a suspect. In the meantime, police have issued free doorbell cameras to residents in a bid to capture further evidence. Some CCTV cameras have also been installed at known vandalism hotspots.
What are residents and councillors saying?
Hackney resident Mark Westcott, speaking at a council cabinet meeting, described the community as being “held hostage” by the vandal. He called for a proactive approach, urging the council to install covert cameras to “bait a trap.”
Councillors Sam Pallis and Patrick Pinkerton expressed their outrage, calling the attacks “shocking and outrageous.” Mr Pinkerton went further, describing them as “an attack on our entire community.”
Has the vandalism stopped?
Since the installation of CCTV cameras in key areas, no new reports of tree damage have emerged. However, the community remains on alert as authorities continue their efforts to catch the perpetrator.
How widespread is tree vandalism in Hackney?
The borough has experienced significant tree vandalism in recent years. In 2022 alone, 60 trees were targeted, raising concerns about the long-term impact on Hackney’s green spaces.
Authorities urge anyone with further information or footage to come forward and assist in identifying the culprit. The police investigation remains ongoing.
