Vandal again targets trees in Anthem

Monday, Feb. 28, 2005 | 11:01 a.m.

For the second time in three months, a vandal has cut down several dozen trees in a Henderson residential development, prompting authorities to offer a reward in the felony case.

The latest vandalism occurred on Feb. 19 or 20 when someone cut off more than 50 trees at their bases along Sun City Anthem Drive near Thunder Bay Avenue, said Favil West, secretary-treasurer of the Sun City Anthem Community Association. The trees, which measured 8 to 10 feet in height, included some that were replacements planted after more than 30 trees were cut down by a vandal in November, West said.

Many of the trees cut down are flowering plum whose pink flowers are in bloom this time of year. The trees, which appeared to have been cut with a power saw, were left on the parkway, West said.

"I have no idea what would motivate someone to do this," West said. "This is a crime against the community. It is pathetic. The desert is bleak and with the trees in bloom, it looked so gorgeous."

West estimates the damage from both incidents totaled more than $75,000.

Henderson Police spokesman Keith Paul said detectives are canvassing the area for witnesses to the vandalism. He said the large amount of damage makes the case a felony. Additional charges could be filed if someone is caught, he said.

Police don't have any suspects or motive.

"I don't recall something of this scale ever happening," Paul said.

That section of Sun City Anthem Drive has little traffic late at night and street lights for illumination, West said. With other landscaping along the parkway, he said he understands how someone could cut the trees without being seen.

"We never focused on extra security after the first time," West said. "We never thought it was more than a one-time affair."

The association will likely consider a plan to beef up security to prevent any more vandalism, West said.

Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that helps police solve the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 385-5555.