My wife and I bought our first house here about two years ago. When we first moved in we planted a little pine tree as a moving in type present to ourselves. Two months later it was ripped up.

We planted three white alpines along the sidewalk and one by one the have been broken in half and left hanging over. Today was the last straw when I came out and saw our last remaining tree broken in half again.

I have a video camera, do you think that I should set it up in my car or window and put another tree out there? All I have left is a rosebush that I know will eventually get pulled up. I printed up some fliers offering 50 dollars for info and 100 for a conviction of who is doing it. I am passing them around my area. I'm quite sure that it is a kid doing it in the morning, so I am thinking that a small reward might get somebody to turn another in.

Any ideas? I'm really over this.

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1994 C 280 117.5k, White (Good as new)
1997 Toyota Camry 149k Miles (Not so pretty anymore)

1990 190e 2.6 95k (Sold-Should not have)
1981 240d Stick ??? Miles...sold

First use then your Camera, if you don't catch him with that go to your local sporting goods store and buy some Tink's Doe In Heat and rub it all over the tree when he goes to break it he will also be covered with natures goodness. If your really lucky the neigborhood dog's will pick up his scent (if you know what I mean .

Cat's, Coyotes and *********s I can get rid of any of them!!

Thanks for all your comments. I have three more trees that are twice as large that I planted along the side of my house. I hope they are not next. The first tree ( a pine) was actually sawed or cut off somehow. I came out and it was just a stub sticking out of the ground. I really hope the person who is doing it doesn't turn to our cars next. I think the camera is the best bet really. I'd love to catch the SOB. Anyway thanks for listening, I just needed a place to vent more than anything.

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1994 C 280 117.5k, White (Good as new)
1997 Toyota Camry 149k Miles (Not so pretty anymore)

1990 190e 2.6 95k (Sold-Should not have)
1981 240d Stick ??? Miles...sold

Make sure your camera is able to take a good picture in low light levels, if that would be the case. If not, MCM Electronics sells some VERY sensitive cameras for low-light situations. In such cases, black & white cameras do better due to their ability to amplify low light. Also, these sensitive cameras are SO sensitive that infared light can illuminate a pitch dark area. For close-in situations infared LEDs can provide enough light. For further out situations, they make infared light bulbs and flood lights.

Technology is the best way to catch a repeat vandal.

I think it is one of your close neighbors, upset somehow with your beautiful trees.

You should be determined to replant those trees. Not only do you deserve them, but when you catch the jerk knocking them down, you will be doing a service for the neighborhood.

Good Hunting

Ken300D

If it were me, I would put up the trees, and surround them with some chicken wire. That should hopefully deter any would be vandals.

I would also report this to your homeowners association if you have one, and knock on every neighbor's doors, informing them that you have installed surveilance (sp) equiment to watch of for vandals.

I would think chances are, its either a disgruntled neighbor who is jealous, or a lil punk kid thinking its fun to destroy anothers property. either way, when you catch em, you can probably take legal action for destruction of personal property.

Good luck and keep us posted.

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

Jason,
How often is this happening? What time? Do you think it’s a kid on his way to school? What are your terrain features? Do your bushes block a corner that people might not be able to see around? Do you have snow to do a little tracking?

I think I am going to do a combo of the ideas posted.

Rsbio I *think* it happens when the kids are walking to school. The last two trees that were broken in half I noticed when I went out to get the mail around noon.

I think I am going to test my camera tonight, but I doubt it will do well in the dark without turning the light on. I think I'll get a black and white and set it up somewhere in the house or my wifes car. We have had an light winter and there is no snow on the ground right now.

I think I will wait until the April, replant some trees and then set up the camera. I would almost bet the would be stupid enough to come back. Then (crossing my fingers) when I catch them I will ask that I am refunded money on all trees (so far about 100 bucks plus the new ones), my camera I was forced to buy and any other lighting etc I may have installed.

I honestly believe that people who think they are funny doing this will think it's funny to do it, "Just one more time". I should actually go and get a camera now for the remaining trees.

I'll keep everybody posted if something happens. Nothing would make me happier right now than to get it on film.

__________________
1994 C 280 117.5k, White (Good as new)
1997 Toyota Camry 149k Miles (Not so pretty anymore)

1990 190e 2.6 95k (Sold-Should not have)
1981 240d Stick ??? Miles...sold

Would you like to borrow my game camera? It is heat activated and is on call 24/7. You just strap it to a tree and let it do the dirty work.

This one is similar.

http://www.citizensafe.com/gamremgamcam.html

Standing menacingly at your front door with a large gun and a large dog in your spare time would probably go a long way in discouraging such behavior!

Seriously...It does sound like a nasty neighbor, not just random vandalism. A video camera is probably a great idea.

Mike

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1979 300 SD
350,000 miles
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1982 300D-gone---sold to a buddy
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1985 300TD
270,000 miles
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1994 E320
not my favorite, but the wife wanted it

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Jason,
I feel for you. Had a few plants destroyed and stolen, its a real let down when things like this happen. I say set up the cams this spring with some bait trees and some of the coatings mentioned.

When you get the idiot take him to the authorities and have him either do some major civic duty work at the parks dept nursery and planting crew. 50 plantings for every tree/plant he has destroyed.

Also make sure you collect damages(costs plus labor), probably won't get the camera etc costs but perhaps the judge will give the equip to the idiot and make him pay the costs back to you. Get your damages even if its a minor (from him parents).

Is there a pattern to when the vandals strike? There may a couple of kids etc.


Best of luck.