Palatine police on the hunt for tree thieves

Vandals have cut down three mature trees in Palatine, leaving park district officials and residents alarmed.

Last weekend, two trees were cut in Oak Park along the Anderson Drive parkway just east of Clark Drive. A third tree in the same area was cut down shortly after Thanksgiving.

"I don't know why someone would do this," said Pat Moser, the superintendent of parks and planning.

Monday, a police report was filed on the matter. Over the weekend, a green ash and a locust tree were cut with what appears to be a bow saw, said Moser.

Residents had reported the missing trees, both which have been there about 20 years.

"This is very discouraging for the professional staff. We put so much hard work into it," said Moser.

Jim Moore, who lives nearby, noticed the cut-down trees this weekend en route to the grocery store.

"I had to put my brakes on and back up," he said. "I couldn't believe what I saw."

Moore said the trees define the edge of the park and that now there are big gaps where they once stood.

Such vandalism also causes taxpayers money. The cost to replace the trees is about $2,800. They will likely be replaced.

"Residents are discouraged also," said Moser. "They put a lot of money into the park."

Officials say they haven't seen anything like this in other areas of town.

Police and the park district are asking for information regarding the vandalism.

The offender would be charged criminally and since the damage is over $300, it would be a felony charge.