South Wales Police and the Vale council have joined forces to investigate the vandalism of a Hornbeam tree on Dyserth Road in Penarth. 

Penarth Civic Society alerted the council to the damage on May 29 and arboriculture officers visited the site where they recorded 18 uniform, 13mm holes in the base of the tree. 

It is suspected that a drill was used to create the holes to deposit lethal chemicals into the tree, causing it to die. 

The council has since obtained a CAVAT (Capital Asset Value for Amenity Tree) of the tree to assess the damage that has been caused. Prior to the vandalism, the tree had a CAVAT value of £27,638, but the new value has been placed at only £8,728. 

Cllr Mark Wilson, the cabinet member for Neighbourhood and Building Services, said: "I was thoroughly disappointed to hear of the damage to this tree. 

"While I'm sure the majority of residents share my disgust at the action against this tree, it's important that the person or persons responsible understand that this behaviour will not be tolerated. I urge anyone with further information to get in touch." 

Anne Evans, chair of the Penarth Civic Society, added: "Together with other local groups, the Penarth Civic Society/Penarth Tree Forum has been working with the Vale of Glamorgan Council helping to look after our street trees. 

"Our volunteers are always on the lookout for damage to trees - however caused - which we then report at the earliest opportunity in the hope trees can be saved." 

The damage has been reported to South Wales Police who are encouraging members of the public to come forward with information or CCTV footage regarding the incident. 

This can be submitted online referencing the crime number 2200182792.  

If residents have an issue with a council-owned tree in the Vale of Glamorgan, they should raise their concern via the council's online reporting system and not take action themselves.